National Statuary Hall Selection Commission; create for recommending two new Mississippi statues at U.S. Capitol.
Summary
SB 2376 creates the National Statuary Hall Selection Commission to study and recommend two new historic figures to represent Mississippi in the National Statuary Hall Collection at the U.S. Capitol. The bill states that Mississippi currently has statues of Jefferson Davis and James Zachariah George in the collection and authorizes a new process to reconsider which figures should represent the state, with an emphasis on selecting individuals who “bring honor to all Mississippians” and reflect the state’s demographics as a whole.
The commission would be a nine-member body appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, and Governor, with gubernatorial appointees including representatives from the Mississippi Economic Council, Mississippi Arts Commission, and the Board of Trustees of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. It must hold public meetings, accept written public comments, consult experts and organizations, keep public minutes, and deliver written recommendations to the Governor and Legislature by November 30, 2025. Members serve without compensation but may receive mileage and expense reimbursement if funds are available.
Impact
The bill would create a new temporary state commission and direct the Mississippi Department of Archives and History to provide meeting space and clerical support. It does not itself replace any statues, but it establishes the official state process for identifying replacement figures and preparing recommendations that could later support a request to the U.S. Capitol’s Joint Committee on the Library of Congress under federal statue-replacement procedures. The bill would affect state administrative operations, public participation in the selection process, and the future representation of Mississippi in the National Statuary Hall Collection.
Sentiment
The bill’s stated purpose and structure suggest a generally reform-oriented and inclusive tone, emphasizing unity, public input, and representation that honors all Mississippians. Because no committee transcript or vote record is provided, there is no direct evidence of debate or formal opposition in the available materials. The language of the bill indicates an effort to revisit a historically sensitive issue in a measured, deliberative way rather than through immediate replacement action.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the selection of which historic figures should replace the current statues, especially given the bill’s reference to figures who “bring honor to all Mississippians” and reflect the state’s demographics. That framing may draw differing views over historical legacy, racial and cultural representation, and whether the current statues should be replaced at all. Another possible issue is the composition of the commission, since appointments are controlled by statewide political leaders and include designated institutional representatives, which could raise questions about balance and influence in the recommendation process.