West Virginia Monument and Memorial Protection Act of 2021
The implementation of HB 2174 would significantly strengthen protections surrounding public monuments and memorials. By enshrining these entities in law, any attempt to modify them would require a permit from the West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office, thereby adding a bureaucratic layer to the process. This act not only affects current practices but also pertains to any such items that were established prior to January 1, 1970, or after, presenting a comprehensive regulatory framework for all public properties related to this context.
House Bill 2174, known as the West Virginia Monument and Memorial Protection Act, seeks to protect specific statues, monuments, memorials, nameplates, and plaques that are dedicated to various historical events and figures. This bill prohibits their relocation, removal, alteration, renaming, or rededication, particularly those honoring military history, civil rights, and Native American legacies. The intent is to secure a sense of historical continuity and respect for cultural heritage within the state. As such, it directly amends existing statutes within the West Virginia Code to better define protections for these public displays.
The sentiment surrounding HB 2174 appears to be mixed. Proponents assert that the bill preserves historical integrity and celebrates the diverse narratives that shape the state's identity. They argue that such protections are essential for honoring legacies and recognizing contributions across various spheres of West Virginia's history. Conversely, critics may view the measure as a potential infringement on public discourse, limiting the conversation around contentious governmental and historical narratives, particularly those related to race and historical injustices.
Significant contention arises from specific inclusions in the bill regarding which monuments are granted protection and the implications this has on future discussions about historical representation. This could lead to debates over existing monuments that some groups wish to remove or alter, especially those related to controversial figures or events in the state's past. Additionally, the law classifies violations as misdemeanors, leading to potential penalties for individuals or entities attempting unauthorized modifications, which raises questions about public participation and community decision-making in matters relating to historical memory.