Louisiana House Bill HB97

Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/21
• Refer: 3/10/21
• Refer: 4/12/21
• Report Pass: 4/14/21
• Engrossed: 4/19/21
• Refer: 4/20/21
• Report Pass: 5/10/21
• Enrolled: 5/20/21
• Chaptered: 6/1/21
• Passed: 6/1/21

Caption

Designates a portion of United States Highway 425 in the town of Mangham as the "Marshall Waters, Jr. Memorial Highway"

Impact

The bill directs the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to erect and maintain appropriate signage indicating the highway's new designation. This implies that local or private funds must be raised to cover the installation costs, ensuring that the community is actively involved in the memorial process. By mandating local financial contribution for the signage, the bill encourages citizen engagement and reinforces community responsibility in maintaining public memorials.

Summary

House Bill 97 seeks to honor the memory of Marshall Waters, Jr. by designating a portion of United States Highway 425 in Mangham, Louisiana, as the 'Marshall Waters, Jr. Memorial Highway.' This act is significant as it reflects the community's recognition of an individual who likely made a notable contribution to the area. The highway designation will serve as a lasting tribute that acknowledges the impact of Waters' life and legacy within the town.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 97 appears to be largely positive, reflecting a sense of pride and collective memory among the residents of Mangham. Celebrating local figures through memorial designations strengthens community bonds and provides a sense of continuity and appreciation for the contributions of its members. The unanimous vote in support of the bill suggests a strong consensus among legislators about the value of honoring local individuals.

Contention

While there appears to be broad support for the bill, some might argue about the potential financial burden on the community to raise funds for the signage. However, the community's active participation in such initiatives is often viewed as a meaningful way to foster local pride. Since no public funding is allocated for the signs, the act may raise discussions about the responsibilities of local governments versus community self-determination in memorialization efforts.