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SJR 53

SGT. LEVI RIDGLEY MEM HGWY

104th Regular Session Introduced by Charlie Meier and 6 co-sponsors

Designates a 40-mile stretch of US 250/50 near Olney as the Sgt. Levi Ridgley Memorial Highway and requires signage and plaques honoring him.

Referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · SJR 53

Summary of Bill: SJR 53 (104th Illinois General Assembly)

Title

Sgt. Levi Ridgley Memorial Highway

Purpose and Intent

This Senate Joint Resolution designates a segment of U.S. Highway 250 as the “Sgt. Levi Ridgley Memorial Highway.” The designation honors U.S. Army Sergeant Kenneth Levi Ridgley, an Olney, Illinois native and Illinois National Guard member who later served in the U.S. Army and was killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom on March 30, 2005.

Key Provisions

  • Designation of roadway: Designates the following stretch of highway as the Sgt. Levi Ridgley Memorial Highway:
    • U.S. Highway 250 from the intersection of U.S. Highway 50 and Illinois Route 130 in Olney to 10 miles west of Olney on U.S. Highway 50.
  • Signage and plaques: Directs the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to erect plaques or signs at suitable locations that name the highway in honor of Sgt. Ridgley, compliant with state and federal regulations.
  • Recognition and messaging: Requires that copies of the resolution be presented to Sgt. Ridgley’s family, the Mayor of Olney, and the Secretary of IDOT.

Who is Affected

  • Geographic area: A specific 40-mile-ish corridor along U.S. Highway 250/50 near Olney, Illinois.
  • Public agencies: Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) would oversee installation of memorial signage.
  • Community and family: Sgt. Ridgley’s family and the Olney community are acknowledged through the designation and ceremonial recognition.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status and actions:
    • Filed with the Secretary on February 18, 2026.
    • Referred to Assignments and moved through the standard legislative process.
    • On April 16, 2026, the Senate adopted the resolution; it was added as a chief co-sponsor (Sen. Chapin Rose) and progressed to the House, arriving there the same day.
    • House actions shown: placed on Calendar Order of Secretary’s Desk Resolutions for April 16, 2026, with consideration ongoing.
  • Effect: As a memorial designation, the bill does not create new governing authority beyond the honorary naming and signage requirement; it relies on IDOT to implement signage consistent with regulations.

Practical Impact

  • Provides a formal state-level honor for Sgt. Ridgley, preserving his legacy within the community.
  • Encourages public recognition through commemorative signage along a designated highway segment.
  • May influence local and regional memorial activities and ceremonies associated with Sgt. Ridgley’s memory.

Notes

  • The designation is a ceremonial act; no changes to road ownership or traffic laws are implied.
  • The bill includes standard provisions for signage placement and coordination with state and federal regulations.

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

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