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HJR 61

SFC KYLE WEHRLY MEMORIAL HWY

104th Regular Session Introduced by Jason Bunting and 10 co-sponsors

Designates a section of U.S. Route 150 in Galesburg as the SFC Kyle Wehrly Memorial Highway and requires IDOT to install commemorative signage.

Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Jason Plummer
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HJR 61

Summary of HJR 61 (104th General Assembly, Illinois)

Title

SFC Kyle Wehrly Memorial Highway

Purpose and intent

  • To honor the memory and service of Sergeant First Class Kyle B. Wehrly, a member of the Illinois Army National Guard who was killed in action in Iraq (Ashraf) on November 3, 2005.
  • The resolution designates a portion of U.S. Route 150 within the city limits of Galesburg as the “SFC Kyle Wehrly Memorial Highway.”
  • The resolution also directs the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to erect plaques or signs recognizing the designation, in compliance with state and federal regulations.
  • Personal context provided in the bill highlights Wehrly’s background, service, awards, and surviving family.

Key provisions and changes

  • Designation: The segment of U.S. Route 150 within Galesburg city limits will be named the “SFC Kyle Wehrly Memorial Highway.”
  • Signage: IDOT is to erect suitable plaques or signs at appropriate locations noting the name, consistent with applicable regulations.
  • Recognition mechanism: The action is symbolic and ceremonial, implemented via joint resolution (non-binding in law) that requests IDOT to perform the physical signage.

Affected parties and entities

  • Geographic area: A portion of U.S. Route 150 in Galesburg, Illinois.
  • IDOT: Responsible for installation of memorial plaques/signage, subject to regulatory compliance.
  • The Wehrly family and local community in Galesburg, with potential local acknowledgment and historical remembrance.
  • The Legislature: Enacts a commemorative designation to honor a fallen service member.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Sponsor: Rep. Dan Swanson (also listed as co-sponsor).
  • Action history:
    • Filed: 2026-04-15
    • Referred to Rules Committee: 2026-04-16
  • Process: This is a joint resolution (HJ) that, if passed by both chambers and enrolled, would memorialize the designation. It does not create permanent a statute but serves as a ceremonial designation and a directive to IDOT.
  • Implementation timeline: The bill does not specify a deadline; it delegates to IDOT to determine timing for signage after designation is enacted.

Additional context

  • SFC Wehrly’s background includes service in the 123rd Field Artillery Regiment, death in combat in 2005, and a long list of military awards and decorations.
  • The bill includes a full biographical outline and family details to provide a commemorative narrative.

If you’d like, I can provide a brief comparison to similar memorial highway designations in Illinois or outline potential administrative steps IDOT would likely take to implement the signage.

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

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