A JOINT RESOLUTION designating the Coach Jim Matney Memorial Highway in Johnson and Martin Counties.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bobby McCool

The bill designates a segment of Kentucky highway in Johnson and Martin Counties as the Coach Jim Matney Memorial Highway to honor his legacy.

to Transportation (H)

#honoraryhighwaydesignations #memorials

Bill Summary: HJR 73 (2026RS) — designation of the Coach Jim Matney Memorial Highway

Purpose and intent

This joint resolution designates a segment of Kentucky roadway as the Coach Jim Matney Memorial Highway.

The primary aim is to honor and memorialize Coach Jim Matney for his contributions, presumably to the local community or high school/college athletics within Johnson and Martin Counties.

Key provisions

Official designation: The bill designates a specific highway segment within Johnson and Martin Counties as the “Coach Jim Matney Memorial Highway.”

Jurisdiction and naming: The designation applies to a certain stretch of state-maintained roadway, to be identified in the bill text (exact route/offsets typically included in the enacted language or accompanying map).

Memorial purpose: The designation serves as a public memorial to Coach Jim Matney, acknowledging his impact and legacy.

Geographic scope and affected parties

Geographic focus: Johnson County and Martin County, Kentucky.

Affected entities:

Kentucky transportation authorities responsible for highway naming and signage.
Local residents, travelers, and emergency services who use the designated highway.
Family, colleagues, and supporters of Coach Jim Matney recognizing the memorial designation.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and committee path:

Introduced in the Kentucky House of Representatives on February 18, 2026.
Referred to the Committee on Committees (H) on the same day.
Subsequently routed to the Transportation (H) Committee on February 25, 2026.

Legislative process: As a joint resolution, it requires passage by both chambers of the Kentucky General Assembly and signature of the governor to become effective. If enacted, the designation would be implemented by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, including the placement of appropriate signage along the designated highway segment.

Potential impact and considerations

Visual/gateway impact: Adds a commemorative name to a highway segment, serving as a public tribute and potentially increasing local visibility.

Signage and costs: Implementation would involve signs and administrative changes; funding and maintenance responsibilities would fall to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

Public notice and record: The designation would be documented in the state highway naming records and reflected in official maps and signage once enacted.

Notes

The summary reflects the information available from the bill’s action history and basic title. The exact highway segment to be designated, any conditions, and signage specifics would be detailed in the enacted bill language or accompanying exhibits.