Legislative Analysis
Phone: (517) 373-8080
DEPUTY ERNEST W. HEIKKILA MEMORIAL HIGHWAY
http://www.house.mi.gov/hfa
House Bill 5478 as referred to second committee Analysis available at
Sponsor: Rep. Greg VanWoerkom http://www.legislature.mi.gov
1st Committee: Transportation
2nd Committee: Ways and Means
Complete to 12-12-20
SUMMARY:
House Bill 5478 would amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to dedicate the portion of
highway M-120 in Muskegon County between E. Bard Road and 4th Street as the “Deputy
Ernest W. Heikkila Memorial Highway.”
Proposed MCL 250.1104
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
According to committee testimony and In the Line of Duty: A Tribute to Fallen Law
Enforcement Officers from the State of Michigan, on February 15, 1995, Deputy Ernest
Heikkila was responding to a vehicle accident when his cruiser was hit by a truck driven by a
volunteer firefighter. Deputy Heikkila was traveling north on M-120 when his vehicle was
broadsided by the fire truck at the intersection of Riley-Thompson. Witnesses told police that
icy roads caused by freezing rain may have contributed to the accident. Deputy Heikkila died
at the scene. He was 50 years old. He had been with the Muskegon County Sheriff’s
Department for 20 years
Dedicating a portion of M-120 in Muskegon County would be an appropriate way to honor
Deputy Heilkkila’s service and dedication to his community and the state of Michigan.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Section 2 of the Michigan Memorial Highway Act indicates that the state transportation
department shall provide for the erection of suitable markers indicating the name of the
highway only “when sufficient private contributions are received to completely cover the cost
of erecting and maintaining those markers.” As a result, the bill has no state or local fiscal
impact.
POSITIONS:
The Michigan Department of Transportation indicated a neutral position on the bill. (12-3-20)
Legislative Analyst: E. Best
Fiscal Analyst: William E. Hamilton
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their
deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
House Fiscal Agency Page 1 of 1


Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 250.1001, 250.2091