Kansas panel hears bill to name stretch of U.S. 36 for undersheriff Brandon Gady

A House Committee on Transportation hearing on HB2605 opened with staff describing the bill’s scope: it would name the segment of U.S. Highway 36 that runs through Phillipsburg, Phillips County, and permit placement of memorial signage once the secretary of transportation receives sign costs and 150% of estimated future maintenance funds.

Representative Ken Rogers, the first conferee, urged committee members to advance the bill and asked that the bill text be corrected to read “undersheriff” rather than “deputy,” noting the draft used the wrong title. Rogers said Undersheriff Brandon Gady served Phillips County with “integrity, humility, and his deep sense of duty,” and described his on‑duty death as a tragic loss for the community and law enforcement.

Kyle Pinkerton, sheriff of Phillips County, testified in support and recounted that Brandon Gady joined the sheriff’s office in 2017, was appointed undersheriff in 2024 and “gave his life protecting the community he loved.” Pinkerton said a memorial highway would ensure Gady’s name and public service are remembered by residents and travelers.

Committee members asked a handful of technical questions, including a confirmation of the correct title and a clarifying question about Gady’s age (testimony indicated he had just turned 30). The chair closed the hearing after noting written proponent testimony had been filed by several law‑enforcement organizations.

The committee did not take a formal vote on HB2605 during the hearing; supporters urged that the primary change needed is a technical edit to the bill language to reflect “undersheriff.”