Committee on Transportation advances bill to name stretch of U.S. 56 for Bill Tucker

The Committee on Transportation on the final day for bill introductions advanced House Bill 2542 to designate a portion of U.S. Highway 56 as the Bill Tucker Memorial Highway.

In an early overview, committee staff member Chris told the panel that the proposed designation would cover U.S. Highway 56 from its junction with County Road 14 northeast to its junction with County Road 16 and that the bill "becomes effective 07/01/2026." Chris also said signs "won't be placed ... until a 150% of the cost for those, for the the placement of the sign, creation, and then any future maintenance," a funding phrasing that the sponsor did not further clarify during the hearing.

Supporters who testified described Bill Tucker as a lifelong resident and community leader in Morton County. Representative Marty Long, a conferee for the measure, recounted Tucker's years of local service, including 19 years on the Morton County hospital board, and said the naming would "help memorialize his contributions for those of us that knew him, but also for future generations." Leo Carrillo, mayor of Elkhart, called the stretch of Highway 56 "central to his daily life, his livelihood, and his community" and asked the committee to advance the measure favorably. Max Tucker, the bill subject's grandson, spoke emotionally in support, saying of his grandfather: "There is no title that my grandfather wore more proudly than that of citizen." Daniel Smith, a retired agricultural banker, also urged a favorable report.

After closing the public testimony, the chair asked the committee to consider an expedited process. Representative Paul Heisel moved to suspend the rules to permit a same-day final action; Representative Ballard seconded that motion. The committee voted verbally in favor, and the chair proceeded to take final action.

Representative Essex moved to pass HB 2542 out favorably; Representative Minnick seconded. The motion passed by voice vote and the chair announced that the bill "was passed unanimously." The transcript does not record a roll-call tally.

According to the staff overview presented at the hearing, the bill specifies the highway segment, contains the stated funding/placement condition for signage as quoted above, and sets the effective date as July 1, 2026. The committee did not record amendments or conditions attached to the final motion in the hearing transcript.

The hearing record does not specify the next legislative step after the committee vote. The committee adjourned after brief scheduling remarks about upcoming hearings.