An Act Establishing A Two-year Moratorium On Erecting Signs To Identify Roads, Bridges And Highways Named In Memory Of Persons Or In Commemoration Of Organizations.
The passage of SB00032 will have a direct impact on state laws governing the naming and identification of transportation infrastructure. Over the next two years, no new signs can be erected, essentially halting any future commemoration on official signage. This includes not only the naming of new roads but also the potential renaming or additional signage for existing routes. The establishment of a registry is also a significant step, as it will catalog all current named facilities and may influence future naming conventions and policies.
SB00032, introduced by Senator Witkos, establishes a two-year moratorium on erecting signs that identify roads, bridges, and highways named in memory of individuals or commemorating organizations. The bill mandates the Department of Transportation to refrain from erecting any new signage during this period while also creating a registry of existing named roadways. The overarching purpose of this legislative action is to assess and manage the existing commemorative signage without adding new identifiers in the immediate future.
Some points of contention may arise surrounding the need for the moratorium, specifically about whether it undermines the efforts to honor individuals and organizations. Advocates for commemorative signage may argue that the moratorium limits public expression and respect for historical figures or community leaders. Additionally, how the registry is managed and utilized could lead to discussions on transparency and public access to information about the namesakes of existing roads and highways.