DEPUTY GRANT WHITAKER MEM. HWY                                                              S.B. 509:

                                                                                            ANALYSIS AS ENROLLED

Senate Bill 509 (as enrolled)

Sponsor:  Senator Curtis Hertel, Jr.

Senate Committee:  Transportation

House Committee:  Transportation and Infrastructure

Date Completed:  11-28-17

RATIONALE

A native of Stockbridge, Michigan, Deputy Grant Whitaker was killed at the age of 25 on December 7, 2015, after his patrol car crashed while he was in pursuit of a fleeing vehicle. Deputy Whitaker had worked for the Ingham County Sheriff's Office for a little over a year and a half at the time of the incident, after previously working as an officer in Stockbridge. To honor his sacrifice and public service, it has been suggested that a highway in Ingham County should be named after Deputy Whitaker.

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate a portion of highway M-52 in Stockbridge Township, Ingham County, as the "Deputy Grant Whitaker Memorial Highway". The designation would apply to the portion of highway M-52 that extends from the southern intersection of highway M-52 and highway M-106 to the intersection of highway M-52 and highway M-36.

The bill would take effect 90 days after it was enacted.

Proposed MCL 250.1010a

ARGUMENTS

(Please note:  The arguments contained in this analysis originate from sources outside the Senate Fiscal Agency.  The Senate Fiscal Agency neither supports nor opposes legislation.)

Supporting Argument

Deputy Grant Whitaker should be recognized for his dedication to public safety and his community. His service displayed how important law enforcement and public security were to him. He is remembered by his fellow officers as prepared, trusted, and likely to volunteer for duties while always putting forth his best effort. The Ingham County Sheriff's Office considered Deputy Whitaker an irreplaceable employee who was eager to learn and respectful of others. Naming a highway after him would be a fitting way to commemorate his legacy as a dedicated officer and would ensure that he is not forgotten.

Legislative Analyst:  Drew Krogulecki

FISCAL IMPACT

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

                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:  Michael Siracuse

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.