Directing the capitol preservation committee to develop and approve plans for a mural honoring the 1st Kansas (Colored) Voluntary Infantry regiment.
Impact
The passage of SB39 will result in the creation of a dedicated fund specifically established for the mural's installation and maintenance, which will be sourced from grants, gifts, and contributions rather than from public funds. This provision ensures that the financial burden on the state treasury will be minimized while still allowing for the memorialization of this important regiment. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws concerning the state's historical and cultural preservation efforts, further enabling future initiatives that acknowledge and celebrate Kansas's diverse history.
Summary
Senate Bill No. 39 is a legislative initiative directed towards honoring the historical significance of the 1st Kansas (Colored) Voluntary Infantry Regiment. The bill mandates the Capitol Preservation Committee to develop and approve plans for a mural that commemorates this regiment, which played a vital role during the American Civil War. The mural is intended to be a permanent display within the state capitol, reflecting Kansas's commitment to recognizing its historical figures and events, specifically those related to the African American experience in the military.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding SB39 appears to be positive, with broad bipartisan support evidenced by the unanimous vote of 122 to 0 in favor of the bill. Legislators recognize the importance of honoring historical contributions made by African Americans, particularly in the context of civil rights and military service. The focus on historical recognition through public art is seen as a progressive step towards inclusivity in the state's narrative.
Contention
While the support for the bill is strong, there may be underlying contentions regarding the allocation of private funding for public artworks versus the use of taxpayer dollars. Concerns might arise regarding the potential limitations on the sources of funding and the influence that private contributions may have on public displays. Nevertheless, SB39 achieves a balance by explicitly prohibiting the use of public funds for its purposes, which may mitigate some concerns related to fiscal responsibility.
Reauthorizing the placement of a life-size version of the "Ad Astra" sculpture on state capitol grounds, transferring the approval authority to the capitol preservation committee and making appropriations for the department of administration for FY 2023.
Designating the existing fallen firefighters memorial within the Kansas firefighters museum in Wichita as the official fallen firefighters memorial of the state of Kansas and replacing the Kansas firefighters memorial advisory committee with the Kansas firefighter memorial council.
Creating the Kansas rural grocery store development incentive act to provide tax incentives for the development of grocery businesses in rural areas of the state.
Designating the existing fallen firefighters memorial within the Kansas firefighters museum in Wichita as the official fallen firefighters memorial of the state of Kansas and replacing the Kansas firefighters memorial advisory committee with the Kansas firefighter memorial council; defining the fireworks sales season for seasonal retailers of consumer fireworks, providing for year-round sales by permanent retailers of consumer fireworks, requiring permanent retailers to register with the state fire marshal.
Substitute for HB 2273 by Committee on Appropriations - Making and concerning certain supplemental appropriations for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 and appropriations for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 for various state agencies.
Providing for the 1st Infantry Division and the armed services occupation medal distinctive license plates and relating to the definition of veteran and disabled veteran in certain statutes.
House Substitute for SB 42 by Committee on Appropriations - Exempting rural emergency hospitals from the hospital provider assessment and establishing residency and other requirements for membership on a hospital board.
Making and concerning supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2025 and appropriations for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 for various state agencies, authorizing certain capital improvement projects and fees, authorizing certain transfers authorizing the payment of certain claims against the state.