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Bill

Bill

SB 165

Memorial bridges; designating the Donald Ray Ward Memorial Bridge. Effective date.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Julia Kirt

Oklahoma designates an unnamed bridge as the Donald Ray Ward Memorial Bridge, honoring the individual through legislative tribute.

Placed on General Order
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Bill Summary · SB 165

Legislative bill overview

SB 165 designates a specific bridge in Oklahoma as the "Donald Ray Ward Memorial Bridge." The bill has progressed through initial readings and committee review, with the Aeronautics and Transportation Committee recommending passage with amendments. The measure includes an effective date provision.

Why is this important

Memorial bridge designations are symbolic acts that honor individuals' contributions to their communities or the state. While not substantively changing bridge operations or funding, such designations reflect legislative priorities regarding public commemoration and can influence how communities remember local figures.

Potential points of contention

  • Limited public information: The bill summary doesn't specify which bridge is being designated or Donald Ray Ward's accomplishments, making it difficult to assess whether the designation is widely supported in the affected community
  • Amendment modifications: The committee amended the bill and struck the original title, suggesting substantive changes were made; the nature of these amendments isn't detailed in available records
  • Commemorative appropriateness: Questions may arise about selection criteria for memorial designations and whether this individual's achievements warrant state-level recognition

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

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