Territorial Park Naming Bill Advances; Agencies Seek Inventory, Address and Deed Safeguards

Legislation establishing a uniform process for naming and renaming government-owned parks, recreational areas and facilities advanced Friday from the Senate Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports and Parks after lawmakers waived debate on the measure. Bill 36-0247, sponsored by Senator Marise James, would create a Territorial Park Naming Program and establish standards and procedures for future naming decisions. The Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources and the Department of Property and Procurement supported the proposal while recommending amendments addressing government property inventories, standardized addresses and signage, federal requirements and restrictions contained in property deeds. Ms. James said she would incorporate the recommended changes before the bill is considered by the Committee on Rules and Judiciary. She described their omission during Friday’s meeting as an “oversight.” Introducing the measure, Ms....