House Bill 4308 designates the black swallowtail butterfly (Papilio polyxenes) as the official butterfly of the state of Michigan. The bill is a simple symbolic measure that adds a new state designation and does not create a regulatory program, funding mechanism, or enforcement scheme.
The bill provides that the designation takes effect 90 days after enactment. If enacted, it would amend Michigan law by establishing a new official state symbol, joining other state emblems and designations already recognized in law.
Impact
HB 4308 would have a limited legal impact, primarily adding a new official state symbol to Michigan law. It would not directly affect taxes, benefits, licensing, or agency operations, but it would formally recognize the black swallowtail butterfly in state statute and could be used in educational, ceremonial, or promotional contexts by the state and its institutions.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or opposition in the available materials. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears noncontroversial and ceremonial, with a generally neutral-to-positive tone typical of state symbol bills.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided context. Because the bill only names an official state butterfly and does not alter substantive policy, any disagreement would likely be limited to general preferences about whether the state should adopt another symbolic designation rather than any policy or fiscal issue.