Michigan House Bill HB5720

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/17/26
• Refer: 3/17/26

Caption

Highways: memorial; portion of M-5; designate as the "Joseph R. Blake Memorial Highway". Amends 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 - 250.2092) by adding sec. 122.

Summary

House Bill 5720 amends Michigan’s Memorial Highway Act to designate a specific segment of M-5, also known as Grand River Avenue, in Wayne County as the “PV2 Joseph R. Blake Memorial Highway.” The named portion runs between 8 Mile Road and Telegraph Road. The bill does not change traffic rules, roadway ownership, funding, or maintenance responsibilities; it is a commemorative naming measure honoring an individual through the state highway system. By adding a new section to 2001 PA 142, the bill expands the list of officially designated memorial highways in Michigan law. The practical effect is to authorize the use of the memorial name on signage and in official references for that stretch of roadway, while leaving the underlying highway designation and jurisdiction unchanged. The affected parties are primarily state and local transportation authorities responsible for implementing and maintaining the memorial signage, along with the public who will see the new designation. The available record shows no committee transcript, recorded vote, or other debate, so there is no documented opposition or support beyond the bill’s introduction. Based on the bill’s narrow commemorative purpose, the general sentiment appears neutral to favorable, as memorial highway bills are typically noncontroversial and intended to honor a person or service member. The main point of contention, if any, would likely be limited to whether the memorial designation is appropriate for that roadway segment and whether the state should add another named highway section. However, no specific objections are reflected in the provided materials, and the bill appears to be a straightforward honorary designation with minimal policy impact.

Impact

The bill amends the Michigan Memorial Highway Act, 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 to 250.2092), by adding a new section that officially names a portion of M-5 in Wayne County the “PV2 Joseph R. Blake Memorial Highway.” This affects state law by expanding the statutory list of memorial highway designations and authorizing the corresponding signage and official recognition for that roadway segment, without altering roadway operations, funding, or jurisdiction.

Sentiment

No committee discussion or vote history is provided, so there is no recorded legislative debate to gauge. Given the bill’s narrow commemorative purpose and the absence of documented opposition, the overall sentiment appears neutral to positive, consistent with typical support for memorial highway designations.

Contention

No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. If any concerns existed, they would likely relate only to the appropriateness of the memorial naming or the proliferation of honorary highway designations, but the bill text and available context do not show any expressed opposition or controversy.