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HB 2471

Designating a portion of I-35 as the deputy Sam Smith memorial highway and redesignating a current portion of the 35th infantry division memorial highway for I-35.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas bill names portion of I-35 for deceased Deputy Sam Smith and relocates existing 35th Infantry Division memorial highway designation to another I-35 section.

Died on Calendar
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Bill Summary · HB 2471

Legislative bill overview

HB 2471 designates a portion of Interstate 35 in Kansas as the "Deputy Sam Smith Memorial Highway" and reassigns the current 35th Infantry Division Memorial Highway designation to a different section of I-35. This is a housekeeping measure that honors a fallen law enforcement officer while reorganizing existing memorial designations on the same highway corridor.

Why is this important

Memorial highway designations serve as public recognition of individuals and groups who made significant contributions to the state, typically those who died in service. This bill allows Kansas to honor Deputy Smith's service while maintaining the existing tribute to the 35th Infantry Division, ensuring both memorials remain properly designated.

Potential points of contention

  • Limited transparency on Deputy Smith: The bill provides no context about Deputy Sam Smith's service, rank, jurisdiction, or circumstances of death, making it difficult for the public to understand why this particular honor was chosen
  • Resource allocation concerns: Some may question whether symbolic designations represent appropriate use of legislative time compared to substantive policy matters
  • Precedent and equity: Designation of memorial highways can raise questions about selection criteria and whether sufficient safeguards exist to prevent proliferation of memorials that dilute their significance

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

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