Louisiana Lawmakers Debate Renaming Highways in Franklin Parish

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The Louisiana State Legislature is considering several bills that would rename parts of U.S. Highway 425 and Louisiana State Highway 17 in Franklin Parish. The Senate Transportation Committee approved three bills to designate sections of the highways after local figures, while the state House has also passed a bill to name part of U.S. Highway 425 after a former assistant police chief.

Why it matters

Renaming highways is a common way for state and local governments to honor community leaders and first responders. These proposals highlight the political process behind such decisions and the desire to memorialize individuals who have made an impact in Franklin Parish.

The details

The Senate bills include designating parts of U.S. Highway 425 as the 'Gladys Edwards Highway' and the 'Mayor Billy Cobb Memorial Highway', as well as a portion of Louisiana State Highway 17 as the 'Deputy Roy Gonzales Memorial Highway'. The House has also passed a bill to name part of U.S. Highway 425 the 'Assistant Chief Bill Jewel 'Putt' Linder Memorial Highway'.

• The Louisiana Senate Committee on Transportation approved the three Senate bills on March 11, 2026.
• The state House of Representatives approved the House bill on March 10, 2026.

What’s next

The Senate bills will now need to be approved by the full state Senate, while the House bill will require a third vote before heading to the Senate.