Renaming Route 127 from Central Street in Franklin to the town line of Sanbornton as Chief Bradley Haas Memorial Highway.
Impact
The enactment of SB592 is primarily symbolic, serving to create a designated memorial highway which will bear Officer Haas’s name. However, there are practical implications regarding the installation and maintenance of signage along this stretch of Route 127. The New Hampshire Department of Transportation is tasked with the creation and placement of these signs, underlining the involvement of state resources in memorial efforts.
Summary
Senate Bill 592 (SB592) proposes the renaming of Route 127, from Central Street in Franklin to the town line of Sanbornton, as the 'Officer Bradley Haas Memorial Highway.' This legislation is formally introduced to honor Officer Bradley Haas, acknowledging his service and sacrifice. The bill emphasizes the importance of commemorating individuals in ways that can resonate with their communities, which enhances local identity and pays tribute to public service members.
Contention
Though the bill centers on a memorial designation, the fiscal note attached estimates that the total financial impact for the implementation will be less than $10,000 across the fiscal years from 2024 to 2027. This estimation suggests that the bill is relatively low-stakes financially, yet it still raises discussions about the appropriateness of utilizing state funds for memorial projects, especially in times of budget considerations or fiscal constraints.