Alabama 2022 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Bill SB54

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

Alabama Memorial Preservation Act, governmental entity that replaces a memorial building required to maintain original name or erect a marker memorializing the name, If Committee on Alabama Monument Protection fails to act on an application for waiver within 90 days the petition for waiver is deemed denied, penalties revised, Sec. 41-9-238 added; Secs. 41-9-233, 41-9-235 am'd.

Impact

The bill also establishes a process for waivers regarding alterations or removals of memorials, wherein a petition for waiver will be deemed denied if the Committee on Alabama Monument Protection does not act within 90 days. Furthermore, it revises penalties for violations, allowing the Attorney General to initiate civil actions against entities that fail to comply with the requirements. This could lead to stricter enforcement of memorial preservation in Alabama, impacting how local governments manage their historically significant sites.

Summary

SB54 amends the Alabama Memorial Preservation Act of 2017, focusing on the management of architecturally significant buildings and memorials on public property. The primary aim of the bill is to ensure that when a memorial building is replaced, the original name must be maintained or a marker must be erected to honor the name. This is intended to safeguard the historical significance of such structures and acknowledge the individuals they were dedicated to, preventing their historical context from being lost over time.

Contention

Notably, the bill includes provisions for the construction of a statue commemorating civil rights leader John Lewis, which will be overseen by the Alabama Historical Commission. This element is significant, as it intertwines the legislative intent with ongoing discussions about civil rights and the acknowledgment of historical figures in public spaces. However, there may be contention surrounding the broader implications of centrally controlling local memorials and the nuanced meanings behind historical representation in Alabama.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL SB344

Alabama Memorial Preservation Act, memorializing marker required under certain circumstances, failure of committee to act results in denial of waiver, fine revised, and duties of Attorney General specified

AL HB330

Alabama Lead Ban Act; percentages of lead that constitute "lead-free" revised; city and county plumbing codes required to conform; certain applications exempted

AL HB200

Alabama Business and Nonprofit Entity Code revised; makes technical changes and corrects references, and codifies practices relating to electronic filing and name reservations

AL SB197

Alabama Business and Nonprofit Entity Code revised; makes technical changes and corrects references, and codifies practices relating to electronic filing and name reservations

AL SB233

Alabama Ad Valorem Advisory Committee, membership revised

AL HB426

Alabama Ad Valorem Advisory Committee, membership revised

AL SB147

Children First Trust Fund, appropriations from for fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, use of allocation pursuant to Section 41-15B-2.2, Code of Alabama 1975 and this act, tobacco settlement revenues deposited in fund within 30 days of receipt.

AL HB183

Children First Trust Fund, appropriations from for fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, use of allocation pursuant to Section 41-15B-2.2, Code of Alabama 1975 and this act, tobacco settlement revenues deposited in fund within 30 days of receipt

AL SB45

Revised Uniform Athlete Agents Act; designee for Secretary of State on Alabama Athlete Agents Commission authorized

AL SB145

Alabama Building Renovation Finance Authority Bill

Similar Bills

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AZ HB2701

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GA HB467

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SC S0508

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