HB 674 -- Historical Monuments

Co-Sponsors:  Merideth, Hunter, Mayer, Stevenson, Wagner, Davis
(122), Kuessner

This bill establishes the State Historical Monuments, Memorials,
and Markers Board within the Department of Natural Resources.
The board's 12 members are appointed by the Governor, with
approval of the Senate, and serve three-year staggered terms.
The director of the department serves as chair with a tie-
breaking vote, and the executive director of the State Historical
Society is an ex-officio member.  The board meets at least
annually.  Members serve without compensation, but are reimbursed
for necessary expenses.  The board maintains an inventory of
historical monuments on public and private property; publishes an
annual report; and holds public hearings on any addition,
modification, or removal of permanent monuments, accepted
practices, or permitted public ceremonies on department sites.

The bill also prohibits the department from erecting, modifying,
or removing any permanent monument or amending any accepted
practice or permitted public ceremony at a department site
without notifying the public and holding a hearing at least 30
days prior to any planned action.  Any monuments that were in
place on December 21, 2002, must be returned before August 28,
2003.  Anyone who removes, defaces, or destroys any monument,
memorial, or veteran's grave marker is guilty of a class A
misdemeanor.

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated July 25, 2003 at 10:12 am