DEP. SHERIFF WILLIAM BUTLER JR. MEM. HIGHWAY S.B. 70:

SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL

IN COMMITTEE

Senate Bill 70 (as introduced 2-5-25)

Sponsor: Senator Joseph Bellino, Jr.

Committee: Veterans and Emergency Services

Date Completed: 6-6-25

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate the portion of Highway M-34 in Hillsdale County between Pioneer Road and South Pittsford Road as the "Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr. Memorial Highway".

Proposed MCL 250.1115

PREVIOUS LEGISLATION

(This section does not provide a comprehensive account of previous legislative efforts on this subject matter.)

Senate Bill 70 is a reintroduction of Senate Bill 977 from the 2023-2024 Legislative Session. Senate Bill 977 passed the Senate and was referred to the House Committee on Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure but received no further action.

BACKGROUND

Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr. was an Iraq War veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. After returning home from the war, he joined the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office, where he served for 12 years. While assisting another deputy with a traffic stop on June 27, 2024, an assailant produced a firearm and shot Deputy Sheriff Butler. He was transported to the hospital and later passed away from his wounds.

Legislative Analyst: Alex Krabill

FISCAL IMPACT

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

Fiscal Analyst: Bobby Canell

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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.