MITCHEL KIEFER MEMORIAL HIGHWAY                                                              S.B. 480:

                                                                                  SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL

                                                                                                         IN COMMITTEE

Senate Bill 480 (as introduced 6-21-17)

Sponsor:  Senator Mike Kowall

Committee:  Transportation

Date Completed:  10-18-17

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to name the portion of highway I-96 beginning at mile marker 122 and extending west to mile marker 118 as the "Mitchel Kiefer Memorial Highway".

The bill would take effect 90 days after it was enacted.

Proposed MCL 250.1023a                                                                                          

BACKGROUND

Mitchel Kiefer was killed at the age of 18 after his car was rear-ended and forced across the median into oncoming traffic on I-96 near the Williamston Road exit on September 19, 2016. He was a native of Northville and had graduated from Detroit Catholic Central, where he was the school's hockey goalie when the school won a State championship. Mr. Kiefer was enrolled at Michigan State University and studied neuroscience.

The Kiefer family developed the Kiefer Foundation to raise awareness about distracted driving, and to make highways safer. According to mlive.com, the Foundation is investing $300,000 with the Michigan Department of Transportation to erect 1.7 miles of cable barriers along I-96.

Legislative Analyst:  Drew Krogulecki

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:  Michael Siracuse

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.