Directing the capitol preservation committee to develop and approve plans for a mural honoring the 1st Kansas (Colored) Voluntary Infantry regiment.
Impact
The bill amends existing statutes to establish a fund specifically designated for the creation and installation of the mural. Notably, the funding for this project will not come from public funds but rather through grants, gifts, or bequests. This approach aims to relieve the state of any financial burden while still facilitating the recognition of historically significant figures and groups. The creation of this mural has the potential to enhance public awareness and appreciation of Kansas's diverse historical narratives.
Summary
House Bill 2088 directs the Capitol Preservation Committee of Kansas to develop and approve plans for a mural honoring the 1st Kansas (Colored) Voluntary Infantry Regiment. This bill is a recognition of the contributions made by this historic military unit during the Civil War. The initiative emphasizes the importance of honoring minority contributions to state history and aims to ensure that such significant narratives are included in public representations at the state capital.
Contention
While the bill seeks to honor a historically significant regiment, the implications of funding sources may lead to discussions regarding the appropriateness and sustainability of such memorialization efforts. Questions may arise around the potential for future murals or monuments, especially regarding how they are funded and maintained. However, the bill's primary focus on the honor and recognition of an underrepresented group in Kansas history appears to outweigh any contention associated with funding logistics.
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.
Requiring the Kansas bureau of investigation to establish a Kansas voluntary do-not-sell firearms list to prevent the purchase of firearms by any person who voluntarily registers to be placed on the list.