To enact section 5534.448 of the Revised Code to designate a portion of United States Route 6 in Lorain County as the "Police Officer Phillip Wagner Memorial Highway."
Summary
HB416 is a memorial highway designation bill. It creates a new section of the Revised Code to name the eastbound and westbound lanes of U.S. Route 6 between State Route 58 and State Route 57 in the municipal corporation of Lorain, Lorain County, as the "Police Officer Phillip Wagner Memorial Highway." The bill also authorizes the Director of Transportation to erect appropriate markers along the roadway identifying the memorial name.
The measure does not change traffic rules, funding formulas, or local government authority; its effect is limited to an honorary designation of a specific stretch of state highway. The bill is a straightforward addition to Ohio’s highway-naming statutes, which are commonly used to recognize public servants, veterans, and other individuals or groups through commemorative road names.
Impact
HB416 would add section 5534.448 to the Ohio Revised Code, expanding the state’s list of memorial highway designations. Its practical legal effect is limited to signage and official naming of a portion of U.S. Route 6 in Lorain County, with the Ohio Department of Transportation authorized to place markers. No substantive rights, duties, or regulatory requirements are created for drivers, local governments, or private parties.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and available context, the bill appears to have broadly positive and noncontroversial support. It has a large bipartisan-looking list of cosponsors and no recorded committee transcript opposition or votes in the provided materials. The tone of the measure is commemorative and respectful, suggesting general agreement around honoring Police Officer Phillip Wagner.
Contention
No notable policy contention is evident in the available record. Because the bill is a memorial highway designation, any discussion would likely center on the appropriateness of the honoree and the location of the sign rather than on substantive legal or fiscal issues. The provided materials do not show recorded objections, amendments, or divided votes.