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H 5390

An Act naming "The Bill Russell and Bob Cousy Highway"

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by David Linsky and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts designates a portion of I-90 between Boston and Auburn as The Bill Russell and Bob Cousy Highway, with MassDOT signage and emergency effect.

Read; and referred to the committee on Senate Rules
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Bill Summary · H 5390

Summary — Bill H. 5390 (194th General Court, Massachusetts)

Title

An Act naming "The Bill Russell and Bob Cousy Highway"

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill designates a specific portion of Interstate 90 (the Massachusetts Turnpike) as a named roadway in honor of two iconic Boston-area basketball figures, Bill Russell and Bob Cousy.
  • It aims to provide immediate effect, declaring the designation as an emergency measure to ensure prompt signage and public recognition.

Key Provisions

  • Designation: The section of Interstate 90 between Boston and Auburn shall be named "The Bill Russell and Bob Cousy Highway."
  • Signage: The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is required to erect and maintain appropriate signage to denote this designation.
  • Effective Status: The act is drafted as an emergency measure to take effect promptly rather than awaiting a longer legislative timeline.

Geographic Scope

  • Roadway: Interstate 90 (Massachusetts Turnpike)
  • Coverage: The portion extending from the city of Boston to the town of Auburn

Administrative Details

  • MassDOT Responsibility: Responsible for the installation, upkeep, and visibility of the highway designation signage.
  • Legal Form: The substitution indicates the bill was amended in the House (replacing House Bill 3727) and subsequently passed to be engrossed.

Who Is Affected

  • Jurisdictional level: Commonwealth of Massachusetts
  • Public Travelers: Drivers and travelers on I-90 between Boston and Auburn
  • Local and state communities: Benefit from recognition of local sports legends and potential tourism or civic pride without altering traffic laws or tolling.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Emergency Designation: Describes itself as an emergency law intended to take immediate effect to preserve public convenience.
  • Legislative Path: Filed April 27, 2026; substituted by the House for a prior bill; passed to be engrossed on the same date.
  • Sponsors: Co-sponsors include David Linsky and Tom Walsh.

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Public Recognition: Official naming honors Bill Russell and Bob Cousy, both highly regarded figures associated with Massachusetts basketball history.
  • Signage and Costs: MassDOT would incur signage-related costs and maintenance, though no funding amounts are specified in the text.
  • Precedent: Sets a precedent for naming highway segments after prominent figures; future bills might similarly designate other roadways.
  • Practical Effect: No changes to traffic rules, speed limits, tolls, or lane allocations; primarily symbolic designation with signage.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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