Highways: Highway Signage Fund.

Senator Laird's proposal to establish the Highway Signage Fund within the California State Treasury creates a dedicated funding mechanism for memorial highway signs honoring individuals who have promoted racial and gender equity. The fund would receive resources from state appropriations, private donations, and federal sources to support the Department of Transportation's costs for installing signage on previously approved highway designations.

The legislation specifies that all monies in the fund would become available only upon legislative appropriation, maintaining oversight of expenditures while providing Caltrans with a designated funding stream for memorial signage projects. The fund could accept various forms of financial support, including state General Fund appropriations, public and private donations, gifts, grants, and federal funding to accomplish its targeted purpose.

This measure builds upon existing law that grants Caltrans full control over state highways and authority to maintain highway infrastructure. By establishing specific parameters for funding memorial signage, the bill creates a formal process for financing these designated projects while ensuring they align with the state's commitment to recognizing contributions to equity.