Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB71

Introduced
3/7/23  
Refer
3/7/23  
Refer
6/28/23  
Report Pass
9/22/23  
Refer
9/22/23  
Report Pass
3/27/24  
Refer
3/27/24  
Report Pass
4/8/24  
Engrossed
4/8/24  
Refer
4/22/24  
Refer
10/22/24  
Report Pass
10/22/24  
Enrolled
11/13/24  
Chaptered
11/18/24  

Caption

Providing for the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument on the grounds of the State Capitol to honor and remember those who have fallen in the line of duty and those left behind.

Impact

The legislation provides for the site-specific construction of the monument, designated to be located south of the Forum Building and east of the Speaker K. Leroy Irvis Office Building. The bill delegates responsibilities to the MI Charitable Foundation for the monument's preparation, construction, and maintenance, indicating a collaborative effort between the state and private organizations to ensure the monument's lasting presence. This act reflects a broader state commitment to honoring those who have served in the military, reinforcing the state's responsibility to memorialize fallen soldiers and support their families.

Summary

House Bill 71 aims to establish a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument on the grounds of the Pennsylvania State Capitol. This monument is intended to honor and remember individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice in military service and the families they have left behind. The bill emphasizes the importance of recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of Gold Star Families, representing a collective sentiment of gratitude and remembrance within the community. Through the provisions outlined in the bill, the state government seeks to ensure that these families receive the acknowledgment they deserve.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 71 is positive, as it acknowledges and honors the sacrifices made by military families. This bill resonates with a widespread public support for veteran recognition initiatives, striking a chord of respect and appreciation among constituents. The unanimous support in the voting history, with 48 yeas and no nays reported during its final passage, further underscores the bipartisan agreement on the importance of memorializing those who have served the country.

Contention

While the bill has garnered substantial support, it may face logistical challenges regarding the installation and ongoing maintenance of the monument. Discussion surrounding state funding allocations for the project, and the maintenance responsibilities post-installation, could potentially arise as points of contention among lawmakers. Furthermore, ensuring public awareness and engagement in the memorial’s dedication could be vital to its success and to properly honoring Gold Star Families.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA AB1762

State Capitol: Gold Star Families monument.

PA SB335

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.

PA SB175

Provides for the establishment and maintenance of a monument on the east side of the state capitol to honor the sacrifices of Louisiana Gold Star Families. (gov sig) (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

PA HB1803

To Amend The Law Concerning The Placement Of A Monument On The State Capitol Grounds In Recognition And Honor Of Maurice Lee “footsie” Britt.

PA SCR31

Authorizing the State Preservation Board to approve and permit the construction of a monument on the Capitol grounds to honor those Texan service members who fought and died in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II.

PA HJR1011

Honoring Gold Star Families

PA HB2146

Relating to Gold Star Families memorial highway.

PA SB307

To Create A Monument To The Unborn; To Create A Monument On State Capitol Grounds; And To Amend The Law Concerning The Duties Of The Secretary Of State.

PA K00776

Recognizing September 28, 2025, as Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day, and honoring the sacrifices of the Gold Star family members from the State of New York

PA SCR24

Authorizing the State Preservation Board to approve and permit the construction of a monument at the state Capitol Complex, at a site outside the historic Capitol grounds, honoring Texans who served during the Global War on Terror as part of the United States armed forces and their families.

Similar Bills

WV HB3312

Establishing a memorial to child labor and child workers who died in the course of employment in this state

GA HB467

State flag, seal, and other symbols; protection of government statues and monuments; revise provisions

GA SB301

State Flag, Seal, and Other Symbols; protection of government statues, monuments, plaques, banners, and other commemorative symbols; revise provisions

AZ SB1407

State capitol areas; jurisdiction; maintenance

CA AB1452

State Capitol: Iraq Afghanistan Kuwait Veterans Memorial monument.

CA SB1407

State Capitol: victims and survivors of communism monument.

CA AB1762

State Capitol: Gold Star Families monument.

CA SJR16

The Chuckwalla, Joshua Tree, and Kw’tsán National Monuments.