Idaho Family Policy Center proposes renaming State Highway 16 the “Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway”
Seth Ratliff
BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho State Highway 16 could soon get a new name. The Idaho Family Policy Center (IFPC) is partnering with state lawmakers to introduce a bill during the next legislative session that would rename State Highway 16 the “Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway.”
The proposed name change would honor Charlie Kirk, the founder of the conservative student organization Turning Point USA (TPUSA), who was killed in September while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University. Idaho State Highway 16 runs north to south, connecting the cities of Emmett and Star, Idaho.
The IFPC released a statement arguing that Kirk’s influence is significant in the state, citing thousands of students involved in Turning Point chapters across Idaho. Blaine Conzatti, president of the Idaho Family Policy Center, emphasized the need for public recognition and a stance against violence.
“Our state should recognize Charlie’s legacy—and stand up to those who would kill us for sharing our Christian faith and our political viewpoints,” Conzatti said. “Renaming the highway will serve as a reminder that free speech and the Christian faith are vital for a functioning constitutional republic—and that we ought never tolerate political violence as a response to robust civil discourse.”
Kirk, a prominent conservative speaker and political activist, had previously held events in Idaho, including at Boise State University in 2021 and earlier in 2025. Austin Rose, President of the TPUSA chapter at Boise State University, says Kirk’s legacy is defined by his dedication to teaching a generation of young Americans.
“Kirk’s leadership inspired young people to challenge the status quo and help shape the future of our nation,” said Rose in the release. “After Charlie’s assassination, his mission has only grown more impactful. Charlie Kirk will always be remembered—and the mission that he started will be finished by the people whom he inspired.”