New Jersey legislation · 2026-2027 Regular Session
New Jersey S497: James Francisco & Walter Schmidt Memorial Roadway-desig portion, Route 35
Status: Signed into law, July 22, 2026
Designates portion of State Highway Route 35 in Laurence Harbor as "James Francisco and Walter Schmidt Memorial Roadway."
What the bill says
An Act designating a portion of State Highway Route 35 in Laurence Harbor in honor of James Francisco and Walter Schmidt.
From the chaptered text, July 22, 2026:
An Act designating a portion of State Highway Route 35 in Laurence Harbor in honor of James Francisco and Walter Schmidt. Whereas, James Leonard Francisco was born on February 18, 1948 and grew up in Laurence Harbor, New Jersey before beginning his tour in the United States Army in December 1968 holding the rank of Private First Class in the light weapons infantry where he was attached to the 9th Infantry Division, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, D Company; and Whereas, Mr. Francisco was killed in action during the Vietnam War in South Vietnam on February 5, 1969; and Whereas, Mr. Francisco is remembered as a Purple Heart recipient who died protecting his country; and Whereas, Walter James Schmidt was born on January 15, 1944 in Laurence Harbor, New Jersey and served in the United States Army where he attained the rank of Specialist 4 and was attached to Company B, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry and received the Silver and Purple Star; and Whereas, On November 8, 1966, Mr. Schmidt was killed in action in South Vietnam; and Whereas, Mr. Schmidt was awarded a Silver Star for gallantry in action against a hostile force while participating in Operation Attleboro; and Whereas, For their service to their country and this State, it is fitting and proper for the Legislature of the State …
Sponsors
- Owen Henry (R, 12) · primary sponsor
- Robert D. Clifton (R, 12) · primary sponsor
- Alex Sauickie (R, 12) · primary sponsor
- Dawn Fantasia (R, 24)
- Michael Inganamort (R, 24)
- Linda S. Carter (D, 22)
Latest actions
- : APP P.L.2026, c.44.
- : PA PBH (79-0-0)
- : SUB FOR A4620 (1R)
- : REP 2RA
- : R/A REF ATR
- : PS (37-0)
- : REP 2RS
- : INT 1RS REF STR
Votes
- 3RDG FINAL PASSAGE - James Francisco & Walter Schmidt Memorial Roadway-desig portion, Route 35 (June 11, 2026): 79 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee: Reported favorably (June 1, 2026): 15 yea, 0 nay, passed
- 3RDG FINAL PASSAGE - James Francisco & Walter Schmidt Memorial Roadway-desig portion, Route 35 (March 23, 2026): 37 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Senate Transportation Committee: Reported favorably (March 2, 2026): 6 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: COMMEMORATIONS, TRANSPORTATION - HIGHWAYS, ROADS AND BRIDGES
Common questions
- What is S497?
- S497 is a bill in the New Jersey Legislature (2026-2027 Regular Session): James Francisco & Walter Schmidt Memorial Roadway-desig portion, Route 35.
- What does S497 do?
- In its own words: An Act designating a portion of State Highway Route 35 in Laurence Harbor in honor of James Francisco and Walter Schmidt.
- What is the status of S497?
- Signed into law as of July 22, 2026. Latest action: APP P.L.2026, c.44. (July 22, 2026).
- Who sponsored S497?
- Owen Henry (R, 12), with 5 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for S497?
- On the New Jersey Legislature website: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S497
Source: official New Jersey record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.