A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 321 IN HAMPTON COUNTY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 363 TO THE HAMPTON-ALLENDALE COUNTY LINE THE "HONORABLE JAMES RISHER SR. MEMORIAL HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS PORTION OF HIGHWAY CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
Summary
H4086 is a concurrent resolution requesting that the South Carolina Department of Transportation name a specified portion of U.S. Highway 321 in Hampton County as the “Honorable James Risher Sr. Memorial Highway.” The named segment runs from the intersection with South Carolina Highway 363 to the Hampton-Allendale County line, and the resolution also asks DOT to erect appropriate markers or signs along that stretch of road.
The resolution is largely commemorative and biographical. It honors James Risher Sr. for his long public service and community leadership, including his 37 years as mayor of Gifford, service on the town council, work with Hampton School District Two, leadership in the Hampton County NAACP, and involvement with Black mayors’ organizations. The resolution also highlights his church service, his work to improve local infrastructure and public services in Gifford, and his role in promoting Junefest and preserving local history.
Impact
Because H4086 is a concurrent resolution rather than a statutory bill, it does not change South Carolina law or create new legal duties for private parties. Its practical effect is to formally request action by the Department of Transportation to install memorial signage on a designated highway segment in Hampton County. If carried out, the impact would be limited to roadway naming and signage, with no broader regulatory, fiscal, or legal changes to state statutes.
Sentiment
The sentiment around the resolution appears strongly positive and unanimous in tone. The bill text itself is written as a tribute, emphasizing James Risher Sr.’s civic, religious, and political contributions and framing the naming as a fitting recognition of his legacy. No committee debate or recorded votes were provided, but the available context suggests a noncontroversial memorial measure with a celebratory purpose.
Contention
No notable policy contention is evident from the bill text or the available legislative context. The measure is a memorial highway designation, which typically draws little opposition because it does not alter substantive law. Any discussion would likely focus only on the appropriateness of the honoree and the exact highway segment to be named, rather than on competing policy positions.