Designates the "Police Officer Blaize Madrid-Evans Memorial Highway" in Jackson County
The bill would amend Chapter 227 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri to include a new section that specifically designates this highway segment as a memorial. The Missouri Department of Transportation is tasked with erecting and maintaining appropriate signage for the highway, with the costs associated to be covered by private donations. This approach allows for public recognition of fallen officers while minimizing the financial burden on state resources.
House Bill 746 aims to designate a specific portion of State Highway 291, located in Jackson County, as the 'Police Officer Blaize Madrid-Evans Memorial Highway'. This designation serves to honor the legacy of Officer Blaize Madrid-Evans, a law enforcement officer whose service and sacrifice are being remembered through this memorial. The intention behind the bill is to create a lasting tribute not only to the officer but also to raise awareness about the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers in the line of duty.
Sentiment around HB 746 appears to be largely positive, with strong support for remembering law enforcement officers and acknowledging their contributions to community safety. The act of renaming a highway is seen as a profound means of public commemoration and is expected to resonate well with citizens, businesses, and local government entities that champion public safety and community remembrance.
While the main focus of the bill is to memorialize Officer Madrid-Evans, there could be discussions about the broader implications of such designations and their costs. Some may argue about the appropriateness of naming highways after individuals, particularly in terms of establishing criteria for future designations. However, no significant opposition has been noted regarding this specific bill, indicating a general consensus on its intent.