Alabama Senate Bill SB51

Alabama 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/24
• Refer: 2/6/24

Caption

Alabama Memorial Preservation, memorializing marker required under certain circumstances, failure of committee to act results in denial of waiver, fine revised, and duties of Attorney General specified

Impact

The amendments introduced by SB51 clarify the responsibilities of governmental entities when dealing with architecturally significant buildings and memorials. By enforcing the preservation of names, SB51 plans to honor the historical significance of these structures, while the 90-day deadline for waiver decisions seeks to ensure that applications are processed in a timely manner. This act is expected to maintain the integrity and historical context of significant buildings, reducing the chances of hasty decisions regarding their fate.

Summary

SB51 seeks to amend the Alabama Memorial Preservation Act of 2017, which regulates the management of architecturally significant buildings, memorial buildings, and similar structures that have been in place for 40 years or more. The bill requires that if a memorial building is replaced, the original name must be preserved, or a marker must be erected in memory of the original name. The legislation also stipulates that if the Committee on Alabama Monument Protection does not act on a waiver application within 90 days, the waiver is automatically deemed denied. This change aims to streamline the process for entities wishing to alter or remove protected structures.

Contention

There is potential for contention surrounding this bill, as it imposes stricter conditions on the ability to rename or remove memorial buildings. Proponents argue that the preservation of names is vital for honoring history and heritage, while critics may view the restrictions as an infringement on local governance and decision-making. The provisions for civil penalties, including substantial fines for noncompliance with the waiver process, may also raise concerns regarding the enforcement of this legislation and the potential burden on local authorities.