Dedicates a portion of the state highway system constituting state route nine-W within the town of Bethlehem, at the town line bordering the city of Albany until its intersection with Moriah road, to Patrick LaFortune Jr.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A11449
SPONSOR: Rules (Bendett) TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the highway law, in relation to dedicating a portion of
the state highway system to Patrick LaFortune Jr.
PURPOSE:
Dedicates a portion of the state highway system to Patrick LaFortune Jr.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Amends the highway law by adding a new section naming the
portion of the state highway system constituting state route nine-W
beginning where such state route crosses the town line from the city of
Albany into the town of Bethlehem, county of Albany, and extending until
the intersection of such state route and Beacon road in the town of
Bethlehem, county of Albany, after Patrick LaFortune Jr.
Section 2: Directs the commissioner of transportation to install and
maintain appropriate signage, and clarifies that the designation is
ceremonial and will not change the official name of the highway.
Section 3: Establishes the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
Patrick Lafortune Jr., at the age of 32, tragically lost his life in a
motorcycle crash on July 14, 2025, in Glenmont, New York. Patrick was
the founder and CEO of LaFortune & Family Construction LLC, a business
he built from the ground up with a mission far greater than
construction. He was deeply committed to creating opportunities within
his community by hiring, mentoring, and uplifting young people, and
helping them build stable and meaningful careers. Patrick served as Head
Director of the Multi-Craft Apprenticeship Preparatory Program in Albany
and worked as a labor supervisor for the City of Albany, training young
people in the trades and mentoring countless individuals looking for a
second chance. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was a devoted
father, fighter, and friend whose kindness and generosity left a lasting
impact on all who knew him. His dedication to service, community empow-
erment, and mentorship made him a pillar in the Capital Region. This
legislation seeks to honor his life, legacy, and contributions by dedi-
cating a portion of the state highway system in his memory, ensuring
that his impact continues to inspire future generations.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.
STATE OF NEW YORK
________________________________________________________________________
11449
IN ASSEMBLY
May 18, 2026
___________
Introduced by COMMITTEE ON RULES -- (at request of M. of A. Bendett) --
read once and referred to the Committee on Transportation
AN ACT to amend the highway law, in relation to dedicating a portion of
the state highway system to Patrick LaFortune Jr.
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-bly, do enact as follows:
1 Section 1. The highway law is amended by adding a new section 344-s to
2 read as follows:
3 § 344-s. Portion of the state highway system to be dedicated to
4 Patrick LaFortune Jr. All that portion of the state highway system
5 constituting state route nine-W beginning where such state route crosses
6 the town line from the city of Albany into the town of Bethlehem, county
7 of Albany, and extending until the intersection of such state route and
8 Moriah road in the town of Bethlehem, county of Albany, shall be dedi-
9 cated to Patrick LaFortune Jr.
10 § 2. The commissioner of transportation shall provide for the instal-
11 lation and maintenance of adequate signing of the state highway system
12 as dedicated pursuant to section one of this act, provided that such
13 signing shall state "Highway Dedicated to Patrick LaFortune Jr". Howev-
14 er, to avoid confusion and to limit any possible disruption of commerce,
15 the dedication called for pursuant to section one of this act shall be
16 one of ceremonial nature and the official name of such highway shall not
17 be changed as a result of this act.
18 § 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[] is old law to be omitted.
LBD15362-05-6
