House committee approves omnibus road-naming resolution honoring fallen public servants

The Kentucky House Transportation Committee on March 1 reported House Joint Resolution 5 with a committee substitute, advancing an omnibus measure to name stretches of state highways and erect commemorative signs honoring Kentuckians.

The resolution consolidates individual road- and bridge-naming requests submitted by members into a single bill for consideration by the full House. Committee members voted to adopt a committee substitute and a title amendment before reporting the resolution favorably to the floor.

Representative Josh Branscomb, who presented the resolution, said the bill includes an honorary naming for Russell County Deputy Joshua Phipps, who was fatally shot on Sept. 16, 2024, while attempting to apprehend a suspect. "He gave his life serving and protecting the community and the people that he loved," Branscomb said. Branscomb said he would reserve more remarks for the House floor. The resolution also includes honorees such as former state representative Mike Cherry.

Committee members had no questions on the measure and the roll call reflected unanimous committee approval. The committee recorded the outcome as "reported with favorable expression with the committee substitute attached thereto," and members indicated the same disposition should occur on the House floor.

No fiscal impacts, implementation steps or dates were discussed during the committee consideration. The committee did not adopt any substantive amendments that change programmatic responsibilities or create new enforcement obligations.

The committee chair said the resolution will proceed to the House floor with the committee substitute and title amendment attached.