House Memorial 38 requests that the New Mexico Department of Transportation consider restoring the Route 66 musical highway in Tijeras Canyon. The memorial recounts that the musical highway was originally created in 2014 as a short stretch of rumble strips that play "America the Beautiful" when driven over at the proper speed, and notes that it is one of only a few such installations in the world.
The measure does not change statutory law or create a regulatory program; instead, it is a nonbinding legislative request and expression of support for preservation of the attraction. It asks the department to evaluate restoration and directs that a copy of the memorial be sent to the secretary of transportation. The practical effect would be to encourage state transportation officials to consider repairing the damaged section and restoring signage.
The general sentiment reflected in the bill is strongly favorable. The memorial frames the musical highway as a unique cultural feature, a tourism asset, and a source of enjoyment for residents, suggesting broad support for preserving a distinctive Route 66 landmark. The final passage vote was unanimous in the House, with 63 yeas and 0 nays, indicating no recorded opposition at that stage.
There is little evidence of substantive contention in the available materials. Because the memorial is advisory rather than mandatory, any disagreement would likely center on whether restoration is worth the cost or priority for transportation resources, but no such objections appear in the bill text or voting record provided. The bill is primarily symbolic and promotional, aimed at encouraging preservation of a roadside attraction tied to New Mexico's Route 66 heritage.
Impact
HM 38 has no direct legal effect on New Mexico statutes or agency authority. It is a memorial that requests the Department of Transportation to consider restoring the Route 66 musical highway and to receive notice of the request, but it does not appropriate funds, mandate action, or amend existing law. Its practical impact is limited to encouraging agency review of restoration and supporting tourism-related preservation efforts.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HM 38 is positive and supportive. The bill presents the musical highway as a unique, beloved, and economically beneficial attraction, and the unanimous House final passage vote suggests broad agreement with the memorial's goals. No committee debate or recorded dissent is available, and the available record shows no opposition.
Contention
No major contention is evident in the provided materials. The only plausible point of debate would be whether restoring the musical highway is an appropriate use of transportation attention or resources, especially given that the memorial is nonbinding and the feature has already fallen into disrepair. However, the bill text and vote history show no recorded opposition, amendments, or committee controversy.