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Committee moves to amend HB 25-79, removing "Vietnam KIA" from memorial highway sign
Summary
Committee considered HB 25-79 to name a portion of K-49 for Private Michael E. Gerber. Representative Kyle Hoffman supported the naming; committee adopted a conceptual amendment to remove the words "Vietnam KIA" from the sign language after DOT advised it would not comply with regulations, and approved the bill as amended by voice vote.
The Committee on Transportation took up House Bill 25-79, which would designate a portion of K-49 in Sumner County as the Private Michael E. Gerber Memorial Highway (from West 119th Street south to US-160). Chris (staff) described the alignment and reminded the committee that 150% of sign costs and any future maintenance must be provided before signs are placed.
Representative Kyle Hoffman introduced the measure on behalf of Gerber's family, offered background about Gerber's service and life, and noted the family requested the naming. Hoffman told the committee the Department of Transportation indicated the sign text should be amended to remove the words "Vietnam KIA" to comply with existing regulations; he recommended an amendment to read simply "Private Michael E. Gerber Memorial Highway." Representative Helkerson asked clarifying questions about Gerber’s age and the date of death; Hoffman said Gerber was likely about 19–20 and confirmed the death year, 1976.
Later in the meeting the committee agreed to waive rules to "work" HB 25-79 and then took a conceptual amendment to remove the "Vietnam, KIA" designation from the sign language. A voice vote was taken on the motions; the chair announced "motion carries" for the waiver, the amendment, and for a favorable recommendation on the bill as amended. No roll-call votes were recorded in the transcript; members used voice votes.
The committee moved on to other items and adjourned.
