Legislation designating memorial highway signed

Business Route 127 in Clare County will now be known as the "SPC Robert Friese Memorial Highway," under legislation signed last Thursday by Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder.

"Specialist Friese was an American hero and it's a great privilege to sign this legislation and honor his sacrifice and service to our country," Snyder said.

House Bill 5394, sponsored by state Rep. Jason Wentworth, amends the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate Business Route 127 in Clare County as the "SPC Robert Friese Memorial Highway." Army Pfc. Robert Friese, assigned to 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment out of Fort Hood, Texas, was killed in the line of duty when his unit was attacked in Al Qadisiyah province in Iraq. This bill is now Public Act 115 of 2018.

Snyder also signed four additional bills:

- HBs 5001 and 5002, sponsored by state Rep. Daire Rendon, makes several changes to the Michigan Registered Forester Program, including moving the program from the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to the Department of Natural Resources, establishing an independent Board of Foresters to oversee the program and updates the Qualified Forest Law to reflect the changes. The bills are now PAs 116 and 117 of 2018.

- HB 5091, sponsored by state Rep. Bronna Kahle, amends the Individual Income Tax to require employers to submit withholding statements to the Department of Treasury by Jan. 31 in addition to requiring employers with more than 250 employees to submit their form electronically. The bill is now PA 118 of 2018.

- HB 5438, sponsored by state Rep. Laura Cox, expands the definition of "coercion," in relation to human sex trafficking, to include controlling or facilitating access to a controlled substance for something other than legitimate medical purposes. This bill is now PA 119 of 2018.

For additional information on this and other legislation, visit www.legislature.mi.gov.

Published: Mon, Apr 30, 2018