CS/HB 731 — Monuments on the Capitol Complex
by Government Operations Appropriations Subcommittee; and Rep. Hood and others (CS/CS/SB 608 by Rules Committee; Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee; and Senator Hukill)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee (MS)
The bill establishes a formalized framework for the placement and design of Capitol Complex monuments. This framework prohibits the placement of monuments on the premises of the Capitol Complex unless authorized by general law and designates the Department of Management Services (DMS) as the entity responsible for approving the design and placement of such monuments. In carrying out this responsibility, the DMS must consider recommendations from the Florida Historical Commission and also consult with the Division of Historical Resources of the Department of State. Additionally, the bill requires the DMS, in consultation with the Florida Historical Commission, to set aside an area of the Capitol Complex to be dedicated as a memorial garden for the placement of future authorized monuments.
The bill also authorizes the placement of the POW-MIA Chair of Honor Memorial to honor the sacrifices endured by members of the U.S. Armed Forces who were held as prisoners of war or remain missing in action. The new framework provided in the bill will be applied to determine the appropriate design and placement of the Chair of Honor. In addition, the DMS must also consider recommendations from the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Florida chapters of the Rolling Thunder, Inc., on the memorial’s placement and design. The Chair of Honor will be funded by the Florida chapters of the Rolling Thunder, Inc., without appropriation of state funds.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2014.
Vote: Senate 35-0; House 117-0