PVT. WESLEY VIETTI KARNA MEM. HWY H.B. 5462 (H-1):

SUMMARY OF BILL

REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

House Bill 5462 (Substitute H-1 as reported without amendment)

Sponsor: Representative Gregory Markkanen

House Committee: Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure

Senate Committee: Veterans and Emergency Services

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate the portion of Highway M-26 in Adams Township beginning at Academy Street and continuing south to Hubbard Avenue as the "Private Wesley Vietti Karna Memorial Highway".

Proposed MCL 250.1112

BRIEF RATIONALE

Wesley Vietti Karna was born on August 24, 1922, in Adams Township, Michigan. In April 1944, Karna became a private in Company F, 362^nd Regiment of the 91^st U.S. Infantry Division, and departed to fight in Europe in World War Two, eventually fighting in Italy as part of the Second Corps of the U.S. Fifth Army Corps in June 1944. On September 24, 1944, Private Karna was killed in action on the Gothic Line, in northern Tuscany, Italy, at the age of 22. He was awarded the Purple Heart. It has been suggested that the State designate a memorial highway to honor his memory and sacrifice.

Legislative Analyst: Alex Krabill

FISCAL IMPACT

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

Date Completed: 6-13-24 Fiscal Analyst: Bobby Canell

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.