Bill > SB2001

This bill establishes the National Statuary Hall Selection Commission to recommend two new statues representing Mississippi in the United States Capitol's National Statuary Hall Collection. Currently, Mississippi has statues of Jefferson Davis and James Zachariah George, placed in 1931, but the state wants to replace these with figures that better represent its diverse history and population. The nine-member commission will be equally appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, and Governor, with specific representatives from the Mississippi Economic Council, Mississippi Arts Commission, and Mississippi Department of Archives and History. The commission's responsibilities include holding public meetings, receiving public comments, researching potential candidates, and developing recommendations that honor all Mississippians and reflect the state's demographic diversity. Members will serve without compensation but may receive expense reimbursements. By November 30, 2025, the commission must submit its written recommendations to the Governor and Legislature for two new historic figures to be represented in the National Statuary Hall Collection. This initiative stems from a 2000 Congressional act allowing states to replace their existing statuary representations, and reflects Mississippi's desire to showcase a more inclusive and comprehensive representation of its historical figures.

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/SB/SB2001.xml