To enact section 5.57 of the Revised Code to designate the third Sunday in November as "Road Traffic Victims Day of Remembrance."
Summary
HB494 would add a new section to the Ohio Revised Code designating the third Sunday in November as “Road Traffic Victims Day of Remembrance.” The stated purpose of the observance is to honor people who have been killed or seriously injured on Ohio roads and to encourage road safety and support for traffic victims and their families.
The bill is a commemorative designation rather than a regulatory measure. It does not create new penalties, funding streams, or enforcement duties; instead, it establishes an official day of remembrance in state law and signals legislative recognition of roadway fatalities and serious injuries.
Impact
If enacted, HB494 would amend Ohio law by creating Revised Code section 5.57 and adding an official state observance. Its practical effect would be limited to symbolic recognition, but it could be used by state and local governments, advocacy groups, and public safety organizations to promote traffic safety awareness, victim support, and remembrance activities. No existing statutes are directly altered beyond the addition of the new designation.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded opposition, the bill appears to have a respectful, commemorative tone with an emphasis on public safety and support for victims. The sponsorship and cosponsorship list suggests at least some bipartisan or broad legislative interest, and there is no evidence in the available record of controversy or divided committee sentiment. Overall, the measure appears likely to be viewed favorably as a symbolic recognition of road traffic victims.
Contention
No specific points of contention are reflected in the available materials, and there are no committee transcripts or votes indicating disagreement. If any concerns were to arise, they would likely center on whether the state should create another official observance or whether symbolic resolutions are the best way to address roadway deaths compared with substantive safety policy. However, no such objections are documented in the provided record.
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