A JOINT RESOLUTION designating the Jean Ritchie Memorial Highway in Perry County.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brandon Smith

Designates a Perry County highway segment as the Jean Ritchie Memorial Highway, a ceremonial name for signage and references with no new funding or policy.

to Transportation (S)

#honoraryhighwaydesignations #memorials

Summary of SJR 11 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky)

Purpose and intent

SJR 11 is a joint resolution proposing to designate a segment of roadway as the Jean Ritchie Memorial Highway in Perry County.

The resolution honors Jean Ritchie, recognizing her as a notable figure likely tied to the region (culture, music, heritage) and aimed at commemorating her contributions by named infrastructure.

Key provisions

Designation: Proposes that a specified portion of highway within Perry County be officially named the Jean Ritchie Memorial Highway.

Scope: The bill designates the name for the roadway, establishing symbolic recognition and commemorative significance.

Signage and implementation: While the full text isn’t provided here, typical provisions would authorize installation of highway signs and related administrative steps to effectuate the designation, including any coordination with transportation or state signage authorities.

Legal effect: The designation serves as a ceremonial naming provision; it does not create new funding or substantive regulatory changes, but it may influence signage, maps, and official references.

Affected parties and impacts

Primary beneficiaries: Residents and visitors in Perry County, Kentucky, who will encounter the designated Jean Ritchie Memorial Highway in official references and on roadway signage.

Local and state agencies: Department of Transportation or analogous Kentucky transportation authorities would handle signage installation and any related administrative actions.

Cultural impact: The designation highlights and preserves regional cultural heritage by recognizing Jean Ritchie’s contributions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced in the Senate on January 6, 2026.

Referred to the Senate Transportation Committee (S) on January 6, 2026.

Consideration path: Typically would move from committee to broader Senate action, possibly to the House for concurrence, depending on the legislative process for joint resolutions in Kentucky.

Current status: As of the available history, the bill is in the transportation committee after introduction.

Notes

The bill is a ceremonial name designation and does not appear to create or modify funding, regulatory authority, or substantive policy beyond naming the highway segment.

If enacted, official references (maps, signs, and state communications) would adopt the Jean Ritchie Memorial Highway designation for the specified Perry County roadway.