Summary#

ACR-228, titled The Parole Agent Joshua L. Byrd Memorial Highway, is a California Assembly Concurrent Resolution, not a bill that amends an existing Act. It would designate a portion of State Route 80 in Solano County in memory of parole agent Joshua L. Byrd; its stated goal is to honor his service and sacrifice. The supplied status says it passed the Assembly, but does not show Senate concurrence, so the designation is not yet established by this measure.

• The resolution names the highway, but the supplied text contains conflicting location wording. Its amended digest says a specified portion; the resolution text includes both Alamo Drive to Nut Tree Road and Sweeney Creek Bridge to Pitt School Road.
• It requests that the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) determine the cost of signs that meet state highway signing requirements.
• It requests that Caltrans put up the signs if it receives enough donations from nonstate sources to cover their cost. The resolution does not require donations or provide state funding for the signs.

What it means for you#

• Drivers and other travelers: If the resolution is adopted and signs are installed, they would see the memorial name on the designated stretch. It would not change who may use the highway or how it is regulated.
• Caltrans: The resolution requests that the department estimate the sign cost and, if sufficient nonstate donations are received, erect the signs.
• Potential donors: Donations are one condition for signs to be installed under the resolution. It does not set a donation process or require anyone to contribute.
• The public: The resolution does not create a new service, benefit, fee, or penalty.

Money#

No cost estimate is included in the supplied material.

• Caltrans is requested to determine the sign cost.
• The requested signs would depend on donations from nonstate sources sufficient to cover that cost. The resolution does not appropriate state money for them.

What is unclear#

• The supplied text gives conflicting descriptions of the highway segment. It is unclear which wording is intended to identify the final route.
• The sign cost, who may donate, and how donations would be collected are not stated.
• The supplied status does not show whether the Senate has concurred in the resolution.

Case for#

• A possible argument for the resolution is that naming a highway after Byrd would publicly recognize his service and death in the line of duty.
• Requiring enough nonstate donations before signs are put up would tie the requested sign cost to outside contributions rather than an appropriation in this resolution.
• The resolution offers a public memorial without changing highway access, rules, or services.

Case against#

• The conflicting location wording could leave uncertainty about which stretch is to carry the name.
• The resolution does not set out how donations would be gathered or what would happen if they fall short; signs may therefore not be installed.
• The resolution requests action from Caltrans but does not set a deadline for the cost estimate or sign installation.