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Bill

SB 160

ROADS/HIGHWAYS: Designates a portion of United States Highway 171 in Sabine Parish as " Speaker Joe R. Salter Memorial Highway". (8/1/26) (EN +$1,500 SG EX See Note)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Abraham and 46 co-sponsors

Designates a segment of US Highway 171 in Sabine Parish as the Speaker Joe R. Salter Memorial Highway, with DOTD erecting and maintaining signs within cost limits.

Effective date 8/1/2026.
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Bill Summary · SB 160

Summary: SB 160 (Louisiana 2026) – Designation of a Highway Section

Purpose and Intent

  • SB 160 designates a portion of United States Highway 171 in Sabine Parish as the “Speaker Joe R. Salter Memorial Highway.”
  • The bill aims to honor Speaker Joe R. Salter posthumously by naming a segment of a public roadway after him.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Designation: The bill designates a specific segment of US Highway 171 located in Sabine Parish, Louisiana, as the “Speaker Joe R. Salter Memorial Highway.”
  • Signage: The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is directed to install and maintain signs recognizing this designation.
  • Cost Considerations: Sign installation and maintenance must occur provided certain cost restrictions are satisfied. The exact financial limits or conditions are not detailed in the available text, but the bill notes that cost constraints must be met before implementation.
  • Amendments (Senate): The Senate Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works amended the bill to correct the proposed highway name to the exact designation “Speaker Joe R. Salter Memorial Highway,” ensuring precise naming in accordance with the sponsor’s intent.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Primary Beneficiary: Speaker Joe R. Salter (honorary designation named after him).
  • Government Agency: Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) would be responsible for:
    • Erecting signage for the designated highway segment.
    • Maintaining the signage, subject to the stated cost constraints.
  • General Public: Travelers on US Highway 171 in Sabine Parish would encounter the memorial highway designation and associated signage.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective Date: August 1, 2026.
  • Legislative Path:
    • Introduced in the Senate (Seabaugh as sponsor).
    • Clarifying amendments adopted by the Senate Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works to ensure correct naming.
    • Passed the Senate with a favorable report (14-0) and progressed to the Legislative Bureau, then transmitted to the House.
  • House Action: Action history shows the bill was received by the House, read by title, and placed under the rules for consideration, continuing through standard legislative review.

Additional Context

  • The bill includes a roster of sponsors and co-sponsors, indicating broad legislative support across varied districts.
  • Signage is contingent on satisfying cost restrictions, implying potential consideration of budgetary or funding constraints in the DOTD work plan.

Bottom Line

SB 160 would officially recognize a section of US Highway 171 in Sabine Parish as the “Speaker Joe R. Salter Memorial Highway,” with DOTD responsible for erecting and maintaining the commemorative signage consistent with any applicable cost limitations. The designation becomes effective August 1, 2026.

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

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