Bill > S2329

This bill establishes a special legislative commission to review and improve artistic representation in the Massachusetts State House. The commission will be composed of diverse members, including representatives from the Massachusetts Black & Latino Legislative Caucus, Native American tribal leaders, and executives from various cultural, social justice, and diversity-focused organizations. The commission's primary responsibilities include conducting a comprehensive review of existing art, murals, statues, and plaques within and around the State House to identify racially or culturally insensitive imagery, identifying opportunities to display more diverse and representative artwork, and soliciting new art commissions that better reflect the Commonwealth's demographic and historical diversity. The commission is also empowered to recommend the removal of certain historical governors' portraits and propose replacements, as well as potentially recommend changes to Massachusetts' representation in the National Statuary Hall Collection. The commission will be required to file an initial report by June 1, 2028, and may accept funds from various sources, including gifts, donations, grants, and federal funds, to support its work. All commission members will have equal voting rights, and decisions will be made by simple majority, with meetings held at least four times annually.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2329