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STATE OF OKLAHOMA
2nd Session of the 59th Legislature (2024)
SENATE BILL 1858 By: Bullard
AS INTRODUCED
An Act relating to public grounds; amending 25 O.S.
2021, Section 2101, which r elates to display of
replicas of historical documents on public grounds;
authorizing state to display certain items on public
grounds; requiring display of certain monument;
requiring certain determinations by specified
officials; authorizing consultation with t hird
parties; specifying requirements for certain funding;
requiring approval for certain rel ocation; creating
felony offense; and declaring an emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 25 O.S. 2021, Section 2101, is
amended to read as follows:
Section 2101. A. Every The state and any county, municipality,
city, town, school or any other political subdivision is authorized
to display, in its public buildings and on its grou nds, replicas of
historical documents including, b ut not limited to, the Ten
Commandments, Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, Declar ation of
Independence, United States Constitution, Bill of Rights, Oklahoma
Constitution and other historically significant documents in the
form of statues, monuments, memorial s, tablets or any other display
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that respects the dignity and sol emnity of such documents. Such
documents shall be displayed in a manner consistent with the context
of other documents contained in such dis play.
B. A monument of the Ten Commandments shall be prominently
displayed and protected on the inside and outside of the Oklaho ma
State Capitol as a symbol of its historic significance for Oklahoman
and American history . The Governor, the President Pro Tempore of
the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall
meet within one (1) year after the effective date of this act to
determine the design, placement, security, construction, and funding
of the monuments. Such officials may consult with third-party
groups to assist in making such determinations and with the
implementation of such determinations . Only donated funds may be
used for the design, placement, security, and construction of the
monuments. Monuments shall not be relocated once they are in place
without approval by three-fourths (3/4) of both houses of the
Legislature and approval of the Governor. Any person who knowingly
causes damage or destruction to the monuments shall be , upon
conviction, guilty of a felony.
C. In the event that the legality or constitutionality of an y
such display is challenged in a court of law, the Oklahoma Attorney
General is authorized to prepare and present a legal defense of the
display.
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SECTION 2. It being immediately necessary for the preservation
of the public peace, health or safety, an emergency is hereby
declared to exist, by reason whereof this act shall take effect and
be in full force from and after its passage and approval.
59-2-2673 TEK 1/17/2024 5:55:12 PM