A bill to designate the outdoor amphitheater at the Blue Ridge Music Center in Galax, Virginia, as the "Rick Boucher Amphitheater".
- Bill Number
- S. 815
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Arts, Culture, Religion
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-04: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-13T19:20:27Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill aims to honor former U.S. Representative Rick Boucher by naming the outdoor amphitheater at the Blue Ridge Music Center in Galax, Virginia, after him. The center is part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, a unit of the National Park System.
Key Provisions
- Designation: The outdoor amphitheater at 700 Foothills Road, Galax, Virginia, is officially named the "Rick Boucher Amphitheater."
- References: Any mention of this amphitheater in U.S. laws, maps, regulations, documents, or records must now use the name "Rick Boucher Amphitheater."
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This bill introduces no substantive changes to laws or operations; it is purely a renaming measure.
- It requires updating official references to align with the new name, ensuring consistency across government materials.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The National Park Service (NPS) will need to update signage, maps, websites, and documents related to the Blue Ridge Parkway, involving minor administrative costs.
- Citizens: Visitors and locals may see the name change on park materials, potentially increasing awareness of Rick Boucher's legacy; no direct effects on access or use of the site.
- International Relations: None, as this is a domestic naming of a national park facility.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- National Park Service: Responsible for implementing the name change in park operations and materials.
- Local Community in Galax, Virginia: Benefits from recognition of a regional cultural site tied to Blue Ridge heritage.
- Rick Boucher's Family and Associates: Honored through the naming, which commemorates his contributions (e.g., as a former congressman from Virginia).
- Park Visitors and Music Center Users: Indirectly affected through updated branding of the amphitheater, which hosts outdoor events.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Straightforward and non-controversial; it uses standard congressional authority to name federal facilities without requiring new funding or altering property rights.
- Constitutional: No implications, as naming public lands falls within Congress's enumerated powers over federal property.
- Political: Serves as a bipartisan tribute (introduced by Senators Warner and Kaine, both from Virginia), highlighting congressional tradition of honoring public servants through symbolic gestures.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-04: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- 2025-03-03: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-03-03: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- To designate the outdoor amphitheater at the Blue Ridge Music Center in Galax, Virginia, as the Rick Boucher Amphitheater. — issued 2025-03-03 — PDF (2 pages)