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HJR 35

Constitutional amendment to make the state superintendent of schools, a constitutional officer position, elected by the people

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Corby Dillon and 3 co-sponsors

Designates a section of KY-163 in Monroe County as the Doctor William Lynwood Montell Memorial Highway and requires signs within 30 days.

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Bill Summary · HJR 35

Summary — HJR 35: Designation of the Doctor William Lynwood Montell Memorial Highway (Monroe County)

Purpose

HJR 35 is a joint resolution that designates an honorary name for a portion of roadway in Monroe County, Kentucky, to recognize the life and contributions of Doctor William Lynwood Montell — a Kentucky folklorist, historian, educator, and author.

Key provisions

  • Directs the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to designate the Tompkinsville Bypass on Kentucky Route 163 (KY‑163) in Monroe County as the “Doctor William Lynwood Montell Memorial Highway.”
  • Requires the Transportation Cabinet to erect appropriate signage denoting that designation within 30 days of the resolution’s effective date.

Background on Doctor Montell (as recited in the resolution)

  • Born February 18, 1931, in Rock Bridge, Monroe County.
  • Educator and folklorist: bachelor’s and advanced study at Campbellsville College, University of Kentucky, Western Kentucky University, and a Ph.D. in Folk Studies from Indiana University.
  • Long academic career at Campbellsville College and Western Kentucky University (head of WKU’s Center for Intercultural Studies), visiting professor at other institutions, past president of the American Folklife Society.
  • Published or edited 28 books on Upper Cumberland local history and folkways; statewide speaker; recipient of recognitions including induction into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame (2001) and the Governor’s Arts Award (2003).

Who is affected

  • The designation is honorary and affects:
    • Monroe County residents and visitors who will see the memorial signage on the Tompkinsville Bypass (KY‑163).
    • The Transportation Cabinet, which will install and maintain the signs under its routine responsibilities.
    • Family, colleagues, historians, and cultural organizations who advocated for the recognition.

Implementation, cost, and legal effect

  • The resolution does not change the official route number, traffic rules, or stop/maintenance responsibilities; it creates an honorary name only.
  • Costs are limited to production and installation of signs; these are typically borne by the Transportation Cabinet within existing signage/maintenance budgets unless otherwise appropriated.
  • Signage must be erected within 30 days of the resolution becoming effective.

Status and notes

  • Classified as a joint resolution concerning honorary highway designations and memorials.
  • Reported status provided as “to Transportation (H)” with an introduction date of August 21, 2025.
  • The text supplied also contains unrelated material (language from a different memorial resolution and assorted legislative action entries); the substantive portion relevant to HJR 35 is the Kentucky joint resolution designating the Montell Memorial Highway.

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

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