(JUNEAU) - The Alaska House of Representatives unanimously approved House Bill 127 by a vote of 38 to zero on Thursday. Sponsored by Rep. Jim Whitaker (R-Fairbanks), HB 127 allows for roadside memorials within the right-of-way on state highways.

HB 127 provides guidelines for posting a roadside memorial. People who post a roadside memorial must provide their contact information on the site and notify the Department of Transportation no more than seven days after they set up the memorial. A variety of objects and materials may be used for a memorial; however, it must not pose a hazard to traffic or hinder maintenance or construction. If the memorial does not conform to these standards, the person who placed it must either correct it or have it removed.

"We want Alaskans to be able to honor their family members who are no longer with them as well as warn others about the consequences of dangerous driving," Whitaker said. "This bill makes sure those memorials do so in a safe manner."

HB 127 moves to the Senate.

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