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Bill Summary · HB 791

Summary: HB 791 (Ohio, 136th General Assembly) — Designate Patrolman Robert E. Karsmizki Memorial Highway

Purpose

designate a specific portion of State Route 19 in Crawford County, Ohio, as the "Patrolman Robert E. Karsmizki Memorial Highway." The bill also authorizes the Director of Transportation to erect suitable markers naming the highway accordingly.

Key provisions

  • Designation: The segment of State Route 19 running north-south between:
    • Linden Drive intersection and Beck Road intersection in Crawford County
    • shall be known as the "Patrolman Robert E. Karsmizki Memorial Highway."
  • Signage: The Director of Transportation may erect markers along the designated highway to indicate its name.
  • Local scope: The designation applies within Crawford County, specifically affecting the portion of SR 19 described above.
  • Name reference: The designation is in addition to any other official names that might apply to the same roadway.

Background on the honoree

  • Patrolman Robert E. Karsmizki was killed in the line of duty on March 31, 1957, after pursuing a murder suspect in a high-speed chase. He died when the suspect, upon being confronted, shot him in the chest.

Who is affected

  • Primary: The designated stretch of State Route 19 in Crawford County (between Linden Drive and Beck Road).
  • Local government: The City of Galion (as the municipality receiving the designation and potential responsibility for sign installation, given that the highway portion lies within municipal boundaries).
  • Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT): Generally responsible for sign production; may coordinate with the municipality regarding installation and potential reimbursement for production costs.

Fiscal and administrative notes

  • Signage costs: Producing and installing memorial signs is approximately $1,400. Signs typically require replacement every 12 to 15 years.
  • Installation responsibility: While ODOT often produces and installs signs, municipal jurisdictions (like Galion, in this case) may install signs within city boundaries and may reimburse ODOT for production costs.
  • Local impact statement: No local impact statement required for this bill.

Timetable and status

  • Introduced: March 24, 2026
  • Current status: As introduced; awaiting further action in the 136th General Assembly.

Practical impact

  • Commemoration: Provides a formal, publicly recognized dedication honoring Patrolman Karsmizki.
  • Public awareness: Markers along SR 19 will help raise awareness of the fallen officer’s service.
  • Local coordination: Requires coordination between the City of Galion and ODOT for signage logistics and potential cost sharing.

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

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