AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 24-01 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to designating the overpass on United States highway 52 as the S/Sgt. Miles Shelley WWII overpass; to provide a continuing appropriation; and to declare an emergency.
Summary
HB 1092 designates the overpass on United States Highway 52 in Carrington, North Dakota, as the "S/Sgt. Miles Shelley WWII overpass" and directs the Department of Transportation to place signs along the highway reflecting that name. The bill applies specifically to the overpass over the railway between the junction of State Highway 200 and Second Street North.
The bill also allows the department to accept donated signs or funds for the signage. Any donated funds are continuously appropriated to the department for the limited purpose of paying for and installing the commemorative signs, so the designation can be implemented without requiring a separate future appropriation.
HB 1092 is declared an emergency measure, meaning it takes effect immediately upon enactment rather than waiting for the normal effective date. The bill amends state law by creating a new section in Chapter 24-01 of the North Dakota Century Code, which governs highway-related designations and related transportation matters.
The available voting record shows strong bipartisan support and no recorded opposition in the final votes, with unanimous Senate approval and near-unanimous House support. No committee transcript is available, but the vote pattern suggests the bill was largely noncontroversial and treated as a ceremonial memorial highway designation.
The main point of contention, if any, would likely be limited to the use of state resources for signage and the inclusion of a continuing appropriation, but the recorded votes do not show significant disagreement on those issues.
Impact
The bill creates a new statutory designation in Chapter 24-01 requiring the North Dakota Department of Transportation to identify a specific overpass on U.S. Highway 52 in Carrington as the S/Sgt. Miles Shelley WWII overpass and to install corresponding signs. It also authorizes the department to accept donated signs or funds and provides a continuing appropriation for those donations to be used for the signage. The practical effect is limited to transportation signage, memorial recognition, and the handling of donated funds for that purpose.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment around HB 1092 appears strongly positive and respectful, reflecting support for honoring S/Sgt. Miles Shelley with a memorial highway designation. The bill passed the House and Senate with overwhelming margins, including unanimous Senate approval, indicating broad bipartisan agreement and little to no opposition. The available record suggests it was viewed as a straightforward commemorative measure rather than a policy dispute.
Contention
There is little evidence of substantive contention in the available materials. The only potentially debatable issues are the use of a continuing appropriation and the role of the Department of Transportation in installing and maintaining signage, but the recorded votes show these concerns did not generate meaningful opposition. Because no committee transcripts are available, no specific arguments from supporters or opponents are documented.