Designating a future interchange on K-10 highway as the Kris Norton memorial interchange, a portion of K-5 highway as the Rep Marvin S Robinson memorial highway, a portion of United States highway 160 as the CPL Monte Wayne Forrest memorial highway, a portion of United States highway 77 as the POW MIA memorial highway and bridge No. 82-14-6.88 (026) in Clay county as the POW MIA memorial bridge, and redesignating a current portion of the Harry Darby memorial highway for interstate highway 635.
Impact
The enactment of HB 2263 will have both symbolic and practical implications for state transportation law. By officially naming highways and interchanges after individuals, the bill formalizes their legacy and integrates it into the fabric of state infrastructure. This action may promote tourism and local pride, as well as provide a reminder of significant historical figures along everyday travel routes. Furthermore, it sets a precedent for future memorials and designations, contributing to the state’s approach to recognizing local history.
Summary
House Bill 2263 aims to enhance the visibility and honor the contributions of notable individuals by designating several highways and interchanges as memorials. This includes the designation of the Kris Norton memorial interchange on K-10 highway and various portions of other highways, like the CPL Monte Wayne Forrest memorial highway and the POW MIA memorial highway. The bill illustrates a commitment to remembering and commemorating those who have served and contributed to the community, especially in the context of veterans and local leaders.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB 2263 appears generally positive, reflecting a bipartisan agreement on the importance of honoring local figures and veterans. Legislators from both sides seem to support the intent of the bill, viewing it as a way to pay tribute to individuals who have made notable contributions. However, there may be underlying concerns regarding differentiation between essential highway infrastructural developments and commemorative practices.
Contention
While there seems to be broad support for the bill, a possible point of contention lies in the allocation of resources for maintaining commemorative signs versus essential highway infrastructure needs. Some lawmakers might argue that resources should be focused on functional improvements rather than commemorative designations. Nonetheless, the current adoption of the bill indicates a prevailing sentiment in favor of balancing both functional and commemorative aspects of state infrastructure planning.
Designating portions of K-96 highway as the PFC Henry Lee Fisher memorial highway and the 96th Infantry Division memorial highway, a portion of United States highway 69 as the Ken W Brock memorial highway, a portion of United States highway 81 as the Merle Miller memorial highway and a portion of United States highway 281 as the first responders memorial highway, redesignating a current portion of the American Legion memorial highway for United States highway 281 and redesignating a current portion of the Frank Carlson memorial highway for United States highway 81, designating bridge No. 160-96-293.72 in Sumner county as the SrA Derek Scott Martin memorial bridge and designating the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe #3415 as the official state steam locomotive and the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad as the official state heritage railroad.
Designating a portion of interstate 435 as the Officer Donald Burton Gamblin Jr memorial highway and a portion of United States highway 69 as the Robert Lessen memorial highway.
Designating a portion of United States highway 281 in Russell county as the first responders memorial highway and redesignating a portion of the American Legion memorial highway.
Providing for the appointment of the superintendent of the Kansas highway patrol by the attorney general, not the governor; transferring the duties of governor relating to the Kansas highway patrol to the attorney general; granting jurisdiction of the Kansas highway patrol to the attorney general, a division to be known as the Kansas highway patrol.
Providing a sales tax exemption for purchases made to establish and maintain Kansas war memorials and providing a property tax exemption for property with Kansas war memorials.
Repealing the prohibition on transportation of alcoholic beverages in opened containers and on drinking or consuming alcoholic liquor inside vehicles while on the public streets, alleys, roads or highways.