The enactment of SB 478 serves as a formal acknowledgment from the state of Oregon of the risks faced by law enforcement officers and their dedication to serving the public. By designating this segment of highway as a memorial, it reiterates the importance of honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The bill is structured to ensure that this designation does not alter existing highway designations or necessitate updates to maps, thereby providing a straightforward recognition of the deputies without impacting travel or logistics on the highway.
Summary
Senate Bill 478 establishes a portion of Oregon Highway 82 as the Deputy Raymond Williams and Deputy Michael Cheney Memorial Highway. This designation honors the two deputies who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty on November 5, 1980, during a search and rescue mission. While traveling south on the highway, they were involved in a fatal accident with a driver impaired by alcohol. The bill recognizes not only their sacrifice but also pays tribute to the families they left behind.
Contention
The bill does not appear to have significant points of contention as it is primarily a memorialization effort rather than a contentious legislative reform. However, discussions surrounding such memorial designations sometimes raise considerations about state resources and priorities. In this case, it is explicitly mentioned that public funds will not be used for the installation and maintenance of the memorial markers, which helps to ensure that the bill garners broader support by addressing potential budget concerns.
Highways: memorial; portion of M-34; designate as the "Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr. Memorial Highway". Amends 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 - 250.2092) by adding sec. 115.
Relating to the designation of portions of the state highway system as memorial highways, to certain memorial markers on certain highways, and to the installation of highway signs for certain cultural attractions.
Designating certain bridges on U.S. highway 69 and 18th street expressway in Johnson county as the Representative Robert M Tomlinson memorial bridge, a bridge on interstate 135 in Sedgwick county as the Don Snyder memorial bridge, a portion of interstate 35 as the deputy Sam Smith memorial highway, a portion of U.S. highway 36 as the undersheriff Brandon Gaede memorial highway, a portion of K-49 highway as the Pvt Michael E Gerber memorial highway and redesignating a current portion of the 35th infantry division memorial highway for interstate 35.
Highways: memorial; portion of M-50; designate as the "Animal Control Officer Darrian Young Memorial Highway." Amends 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 - 250.2092) by adding sec. 6d.
Highways: memorial; portion of US-10 in Midland; designate as the "Army Specialist Levi K. Hoover Memorial Highway". Amends 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 - 250.2092) by adding sec. 16e.