HIGHWAYS: Designates a portion of United States Highway 165 in Oberlin, Louisiana, as the "Kulyn Brooks Manuel Memorial Highway"

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Bayham and 19 co-sponsors

Designate a section of US 165 in Oberlin as the Kulyn Brooks Manuel Memorial Highway, with signs installed only if local or private funds cover all costs up to $2,250 per sign.

Effective date: 08/01/2026.

Purpose

Designate a segment of United States Highway 165 in Oberlin, Louisiana as the “Kulyn Brooks Manuel Memorial Highway.” The bill directs the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to establish and maintain signage reflecting this designation, contingent on local or private funding covering the actual signage costs.

Key Provisions

Designation: Section 1 designates a specific portion of US Highway 165 in Oberlin (from the north corporate limits to the south corporate limits) as the “Kulyn Brooks Manuel Memorial Highway.”

Signage and Implementation: Section 2 requires DOTD to erect and maintain appropriate signage reflecting the designation.

Funding condition: The department may implement signage only if local or private monies are received by DOTD to cover its actual costs for materials, fabrication, mounting posts, and installation.
Cost limitation: The cost per sign is capped at $2,250.

Who is Affected

Local area: Residents and travelers in Oberlin, LA, who will see the designated highway name on signage.

DOTD: Responsible for installing and maintaining the signs, subject to funding provisions.

Funding sources: Local governments, private entities, or community sponsors providing the necessary funds to cover signage costs.

Timeline and Procedural Details

The bill sets an implementation trigger based on funding: DOTD must receive local or private funds equal to its estimated actual costs for the signage.

The act does not authorize state funds; it requires non-state funding to proceed.

No specific date for signage installation is set; implementation occurs once funding is secured and signs are produced/installed within the stated cost cap.

Additional Context

The Digest confirms the essential terms and reiterates the funding condition and per-sign cost limit ($2,250).

Action history indicates the bill was reported favorably (10-0) on April 21, 2026, and had previously been read by title awaiting further action.

Primary sponsor: Representative Dewith Carrier (co-sponsor listed).

Practical Implications

The designation is largely ceremonial and cultural, commemorating Kulyn Brooks Manuel.

Financial responsibility lies with local/private supporters; no state funding is authorized under this bill.

If funding is not obtained, the designation and signage may not be implemented.

This summary captures the bill’s intent, main provisions, affected parties, and procedural notes, presenting a clear picture of how HB 1172 would operate in practice.

Bill