BILL NUMBER: S8428REVISED 6/11/25
SPONSOR: RHOADS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the highway law, in relation to dedicating a portion of
the state highway system to Trooper James M. MacLarnon
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
Designates all that portion of the state highway system constituting the
Wantagh State Parkway overpass at the Southern State Parkway as the
"Trooper James M. MacLarnon."
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Amends the highway law by adding a new section 344-q, which
designates *all that portion of the state highway system constituting
the southbound Wantagh State Parkway overpass crossing the Southern
State Parkway in the town of Hempstead, county of Nassau, shall be known
as the "Trooper James M. MacLarnon."
Section 2: States that the commissioner of transportation shall provide
for the installation and maintenance of adequate signing of the state
highway systems as designated pursuant to section 1 of this act. The
designation will be for ceremonial purposes only, and the official name
of the bridge will not be changed as a result of this act.
Section 3: Provides the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Trooper James M. MacLarnon was one of the original K Troop members
assigned to the Long Island Parkway detail. He was a four-Year veteran
of the State Police, assigned to the Jones Beach barracks at the time of
his death: Prior to joining the State Police, Trooper MacLarnon was a
member of the 71st Infantry regiment of the NY National Guard. In 1926,
he was awarded the medal of valor for saving 2 canoeists from drowning
in the Hudson River. On January 19, 1931, Trooper James M. MacLarnon
died as a result of injuries sustained after he was struck by a car on
Merrick Road in Bellmore, NY.
We cannot forget that our State Troopers serve faithfully in the face of
grave danger, with many paying dearly for the safety and comfort we have
come to take for granted. This legislation is to pay tribute to Trooper
MacLarnon's honorable service by memorializing his life and reminding
the public of the sacrifices and contributions of our fallen Troopers.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024 - Referred to Transportation
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.