Louisiana 2017 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HB292

Introduced
3/30/17  
Refer
3/30/17  
Refer
4/10/17  

Caption

(Constitutional Amendment) Prohibits various public actions relating to monuments, memorials, and artifacts

Impact

If enacted, this amendment would significantly solidify the legal foundation for the protection of historic monuments and memorials in Louisiana. It would prevent state and local governments from acting against such artifacts, which could have a direct impact on local decisions regarding historical preservation. Supporters argue that the amendment is necessary to protect the state's heritage and ensure that significant cultural artifacts are preserved for future generations, while opponents may view it as an impediment to local governance and adaptation to modern values concerning historical representation.

Summary

HB292 is a proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to prohibit public entities in Louisiana from destroying, dismantling, removing, moving, storing, or hiding various historic monuments, memorials, and artifacts. The amendment specifically recognizes the right of citizens to preserve their historic linguistic and cultural origins and aims to protect items related to the American Revolution and U.S. wars from governmental actions that could lead to their elimination. This bill directly amends Article XII, Section 4 of the Louisiana Constitution and will be submitted to voters for approval during the statewide election.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB292 is likely to be deeply divided. Proponents of the bill, including various civic groups and historical societies, see it as a crucial step toward safeguarding the state's rich history and cultural identity. On the other hand, critics argue that the measure could prevent necessary discussions about the appropriateness of certain monuments and hinder efforts to address the legacy of contentious historical figures. This clash of sentiments reflects broader societal debates about how history is remembered and commemorated.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns from various community groups regarding the implications of the bill for social justice and historical representation. While supporters emphasize the importance of preserving all historical artifacts, opponents caution that some monuments may symbolize oppressive historical narratives, and thus their unqualified protection could stifle necessary conversations about race, history, and public space. These competing viewpoints highlight the complexities of historical preservation and the need for a balanced approach to managing public memory.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA H4260

Monuments and memorials

LA S1816

Protection of Historic Monuments and Memorials

LA H0455

Protection of Historic Monuments and Memorials

LA HB1487

Historical monuments and memorials; prohibit moving and authorize aggrieved person to bring legal action for violations.

LA HB1198

Historical monuments and memorials; prohibit moving and authorize aggrieved person to bring legal action for violations.

LA S0496

Protection of Historic Monuments and Memorials

LA SCR69

Memorializes Congress to propose constitutional amendment prohibiting the physical desecration of American flag.

LA H1599

Protection of Historic Monuments and Memorials

LA HB1599

Protection of Historic Monuments and Memorials:

LA HB2009

constitutional amendments; foreign contributions prohibited

Similar Bills

LA HB472

(Constitutional Amendment) Revises Article VII of the Constitution of La. (OR -$139,000,000 GF RV See Note)

NJ ACR123

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

NJ SCR75

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

NJ SCR43

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing Legislature to invalidate certain court decisions.

LA HB244

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for the election of constitutional convention delegates and vote requirements necessary for the adoption of a new constitution (RR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

LA HB678

(Constitutional Amendment) Modifies disposition of certain state revenues through repeal of the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund and deposits of certain revenue streams into the Budget Stabilization Fund (RRF INCREASE GF RV See Note)

LA HB473

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the application of state monies to the unfunded accrued liability of the Teachers' Retirement System of La. (EN DECREASE SD RV See Note)

HI SB1225

Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.