Arkansas Senate Bill SB335

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/23
• Refer: 2/27/23
• Report Pass: 3/2/23
• Engrossed: 3/6/23
• Refer: 3/6/23
• Report Pass: 3/15/23
• Enrolled: 3/16/23
• Chaptered: 3/24/23
• Passed: 3/24/23

Caption

To Amend The Law Concerning The Arkansas Capitol Grounds Monument And Memorial Preservation Fund; To Amend The Law Concerning The Maintenance, Repair, And Upkeep Of Monuments And Memorials Areas On State Capitol Grounds.

Impact

The proposed changes in SB335 are expected to impact the existing laws governing the responsibilities of the Arkansas Medal of Honor Commission and the Arkansas Capitol Grounds Commission. Specifically, it would direct the commission to receive private donations and contributions, rather than relying solely on state funding to support its activities. This could lead to a more sustainable financial model for the maintenance of monumental assets, reducing the burden on state resources while enhancing the preservation of important historical sites.

Summary

Senate Bill 335 seeks to amend existing legislation regarding the Arkansas Capitol Grounds Monument and Memorial Preservation Fund. Its primary aim is to establish guidelines for the maintenance, repair, and general upkeep of monuments and memorials located at the State Capitol grounds. This bill introduces provisions to fund these activities through private donations, fees from sponsors, and additional appropriations from the General Assembly. By allowing for a more structured approach to funding, it aims to ensure that the monuments and memorials are appropriately maintained for the long term.

Sentiment

The discussion surrounding SB335 has been largely positive, reflecting a sentiment of support among lawmakers who appreciate the initiative to secure funding through private sources. However, there may be concerns from advocacy groups regarding the potential implications of relying more heavily on private funding for public memorials, as this could lead to disparities in the maintenance of monuments depending on the level of financial support they receive. Overall, the measure appears to be seen as a necessary update to existing statutes to adapt to modern funding practices.

Contention

Despite the generally supportive attitude toward SB335, notable points of contention may arise regarding how fees are set for sponsors of monuments and the allocation of private funds. There is a risk that this new funding structure could lead to unequal maintenance levels of different monuments based on their ability to attract private donations or sponsorships. Critics may express concerns about the transparency of the funding process and the potential for influences from private entities in determining which memorials receive attention and resources.