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

SUMMARY AS ENACTED

Senate Bill 70 (as enacted) PUBLIC ACT 10 of 2025

Sponsor: Senator Joseph Bellino, Jr.

Senate Committee: Veterans and Emergency Services

House Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure

Date Completed: 8-28-25

CONTENT

The bill amends 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".

The bill will take effect 91 days after the Legislature adjourns sine die.

MCL 250.1115

BRIEF RATIONALE

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 Butler. Deputy Butler was transported to the hospital and later passed away from his wounds at the age of 51. The bill's enactment recognizes his service and honors his sacrifice.

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.

Legislative Analyst: Alex Krabill

FISCAL IMPACT

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

Fiscal Analyst: Bobby Canell

SAS\S2526\s70es

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.