A bill to rename “Jefferson Davis Highway” on U.S. Route 1 to “Emancipation Highway” passed the Virginia Senate Thursday in a 30-9 vote.
The bill, which Del. Josh Cole (D-Fredericksburg) introduced, was approved by the Virginia House of Delegates by a 70-28 vote this month.
The legislation will be headed to Gov. Ralph Northam’s (D) desk for his signature, after which it will become law effective January 1, 2022.
But even after the Senate vote, it remains unclear if the affected localities of Fredericksburg will rename U.S. 1 within their borders.
The bill only applies to areas in the state where U.S. 1 is still named after former Confederate President Jefferson Davis.
Counties and cities have until January 1, 2022, to change the name of Jefferson Davis Highway to whatever they choose or the state will automatically rename it Emancipation Highway.
“Change the name on your own, or the General Assembly will change it for you,” Cole said to House committee members.
The changes to the road signs are estimated to cost nearly $600,000 for all the localities.
“Emancipation Highway” sounds like a bad bathroom joke.
Those that passed this should foot the $600K bill. Not the people!
Northwest Woodsman: How about Colonel Sanders Highway? I realize that he is a Caucasian, however, he has made significant contributions to the culinary tastes of the negro community.