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HJM 4000

Extending the naming of Martin Luther King, Jr. Way.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mia Gregerson and 4 co-sponsors

Extends the MLK Way naming along SR 900 to milepost 10 and SR 515 between I-405 and SR 516 to honor Dr. King.

Referred to Rules 2 Review.
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Bill Summary · HJM 4000

Summary: House Joint Memorial HJM 4000 – Extending the Naming of Martin Luther King, Jr. Way

Purpose and intent

  • HJM 4000 is a joint memorial that requests the Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) to commence proceedings to extend the naming of Martin Luther King Jr. Way.
  • The extension would memorialize Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by expanding the named segment beyond the existing MLK Way designation.
  • The substitute (substitute joint memorial) provides precise routing for the extension and reflects technical corrections to the named portions of the state highway.

Key provisions

  • Extend the naming of Martin Luther King Jr. Way along:
    • State Route 900 (SR 900) from the westerly city limits of Renton to its terminus near milepost 10.
    • Then continue the entirety of State Route 515 (SR 515) between the junction with Interstate 405 (I-405) and the junction with SR 516.
  • The memorial specifies that the extension is to honor Dr. King and reflect his enduring legacy.
  • No appropriations are included in the bill, and no fiscal note is requested.

Process and procedural timeline

  • Process: The memorial directs the WSTC to initiate proceedings, consistent with the state’s highway facility naming policy.
  • How naming proceeds:
    • The Commission requires evidence of community support (e.g., letters from legislators, resolutions from local bodies, support from WSDOT, support from local organizations like chambers of commerce).
    • After passage of a joint memorial, the Commission holds a public hearing before final action.
    • If the Commission approves, WSDOT designs and installs the appropriate signs.
  • Version differences:
    • Original Joint Memorial: referenced SR 900 from Renton to SR 515 with a general extension.
    • Substitute Joint Memorial: provides specific routing (SR 900 to milepost 10; SR 515 between I-405 and SR 516) and makes technical corrections to reflect the precise portion to be named.

Legislative history and status

  • Introduced: January 9, 2025 (prefiled).
  • Committee action (Transportation): Hearing held January 23, 2025; executive action January 29, 2025; TR Majority report with the substitute bill do pass.
  • Subsequent action: Referred to Rules 2 Review on February 12, 2025.
  • Sponsors: Representatives Gregerson, Obras, Street, Ormsby, and Hill.

Affected entities and impact

  • Affected agencies: Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) and Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
  • Affected infrastructure: SR 900 (portion in King County around Renton) and SR 515 (King County corridor near I-405/SR 516).
  • Communities: Renton and surrounding areas along the extended MLK Way corridor; broader community in King County may view the extension as symbolic recognition of Dr. King’s legacy.

Public testimony (brief)

  • Supportive arguments emphasize the symbolic importance of naming and unifying inclusivity, equity, and the civil rights legacy.
  • No opposition noted in the documented testimony.

Next steps

  • If advanced, WSTC would hold a public hearing and decide whether to officially extend the MLK Way naming.
  • Upon final Commission action, signs would be designed and installed by WSDOT as per normal naming procedures.

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

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