An act to add Section 14638.2 to the Government Code, relating to the State Capitol.
Summary
SB 896 would add Government Code Section 14638.2 to authorize a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit representing the Sons of the American Revolution and Daughters of the American Revolution, working with the Department of General Services, to plan, construct, and maintain a monument on the grounds of the State Capitol commemorating California’s role in the United States’ 250th anniversary. The bill is framed as a Capitol-grounds memorial measure tied to the nation’s semiquincentennial, and it specifies that the monument may proceed only through a formal approval process.
Under the bill, the nonprofit must submit a monument plan to the Joint Rules Committee for review and approval before construction can begin. The Department of General Services would review preliminary and final design materials, address maintenance, safety, ADA, and CEQA issues, prepare a right-of-entry permit and maintenance agreement, and inspect construction. The Joint Rules Committee and the Department of Finance must also determine that sufficient private funding is available before work can start, and the monument must be funded entirely by private sources.
Impact
SB 896 would create a new statutory authorization for a privately funded monument on State Capitol grounds and assign specific oversight duties to the Department of General Services, the Joint Rules Committee, and the Department of Finance. It would not appropriate state funds, but it would affect state land-use and permitting processes for Capitol memorials by establishing a new approval and maintenance framework for this specific project. The measure would also implicate existing state requirements related to ADA compliance, CEQA review, insurance, bonding, and long-term maintenance responsibilities for work on state property.
Sentiment
The available context suggests generally favorable or at least noncontroversial treatment of the bill, as reflected by its movement out of committee with the author’s amendments and a majority key vote designation. No committee transcript or recorded vote details were provided, so there is no evidence of organized opposition in the materials supplied. The bill’s private-funding requirement and formal review process likely help make it more acceptable as a Capitol monument proposal.
Contention
The main points of potential contention are procedural and symbolic rather than fiscal. Any concerns would likely center on whether the Joint Rules Committee should approve a monument on Capitol grounds, whether the proposed design and location are appropriate, and whether the sponsoring organizations should be the entities authorized to advance the project. Additional issues could include maintenance obligations, compliance with environmental and accessibility laws, and whether a commemorative monument for the 250th anniversary is the best use of Capitol space, though no explicit opposition is shown in the provided record.
Providing for the America250PA Semiquincentennial Celebration Bell monument on the grounds of the State Capitol to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania's integral role in that event and the impact of its people on the nation's past, present and future.
Providing for the America250PA Semiquincentennial Celebration Bell monument on the grounds of the State Capitol to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania's integral role in that event and the impact of its people on the nation's past, present and future.
Recognizing the Daughters of the American Revolution and the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, and celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
An act to amend Section 51178 of the Government Code, and to amend Section Sections 4202 and 4204 of the Public Resources Code, relating to fire safety.
Relating to the removal, relocation, alteration, or construction of certain monuments, memorials, or designations located on public property; authorizing a civil penalty.