Changes the name of the official state dinosaur
By enacting this bill, Missouri would formally adopt the Parrosaurus missouriensis as its state dinosaur, thereby impacting state laws pertaining to state symbols. This change would result in the replacement of any previous designations associated with the old state dinosaur, signaling a shift in how the state recognizes its natural history. Legally recognizing the state dinosaur contributes to tourism and education, as it could foster interest in the state's geological and biological past.
House Bill 2477, introduced by Representative McCreery, proposes to repeal the existing legislation regarding the official state dinosaur of Missouri and replace it with the Parrosaurus missouriensis. The intent behind this change is to officially recognize this dinosaur as the representative species of the state's prehistoric heritage. The bill emphasizes the significance of state symbols and encourages appreciation for Missouri's paleontological history.
While the bill primarily seeks to make a straightforward change regarding a state symbol, some may question the necessity of changing the official state dinosaur. Potential points of contention could arise around debates regarding the significance of the previous dinosaur and the motivations for selecting Parrosaurus missouriensis. If any public opinion or educational outreach were involved, it could generate discussions about the cultural and scientific implications of such a designation.