Bill Text: SC H3470 | 2017-2018 | 122nd General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Alamo Monument Commission
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2017-01-12 - Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works [H3470 Detail]
Download: South_Carolina-2017-H3470-Introduced.html
A JOINT RESOLUTION
TO CREATE THE ALAMO MONUMENT COMMISSION TO DESIGN AND ESTABLISH ON THE GROUNDS OF THE CAPITOL COMPLEX AN APPROPRIATE STATUE OR MONUMENT TO HONOR THE MEMORY OF THE BRAVE SOUTH CAROLINIANS WHO DIED AT THE ALAMO AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE COMMISSION'S MEMBERSHIP, DUTIES, AND RELATED MATTERS.
Whereas, the battle of the Alamo and the siege and final assault on the Alamo in 1836 constitute the most celebrated military engagement in Texas and one of the most celebrated in the history of the United States after Texas later became a state; and
Whereas, the battle was conspicuous for the large number of illustrious personalities among its combatants. These included Tennessee congressman David Crockett, entrepreneur-adventurer James Bowie, and Mexican president Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna; and
Whereas, in addition to these individuals, Saluda County, South Carolina was the birthplace and childhood home of two other Alamo heroes, William Barret Travis and James Butler Bonham; and
Whereas, Travis was co-commander, along with famed frontiersman James Bowie, of the makeshift fortress when the Mexican army, led by General Santa Anna, arrived in San Antonio in 1836; and
Whereas, though not a leader at the Alamo, James Bonham is considered a heroic figure for having at least once, and perhaps twice, escaped through Mexican lines to seek help; and
Whereas, the members of the General Assembly believe that a permanent memorial on the Statehouse grounds to recognize and honor these two native South Carolinians and the five other brave South Carolinians who perished at the Alamo would be a fitting tribute to these fine men. Now, therefore,
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. The Alamo Monument Commission is created to design and establish an appropriate statue or monument to be placed on the grounds of the Capitol Complex to honor the memory of the brave South Carolinians who died at the Alamo. The commission is empowered and directed to raise private funds, to receive private grants, to receive gifts to carry out the purpose for which it is created, and to recommend the location of the statue or monument, provided that this statue or monument must be funded entirely by private funds. By January 1, 2018, the commission shall report the proposed design, location, and dedication date of the statue or monument to the General Assembly. The commission shall consult the Division of General Services on the matter of the site and the division shall advise and render necessary service to the commission on this matter. Upon the dedication of this statue or monument, the commission shall dissolve. The final decision of the location of the statue or monument rests with the General Assembly. Upon dissolution, the State shall ensure proper maintenance of the statue or monument as is done for other historical monuments on the grounds of the Capitol Complex. The commission shall be comprised of three members of the Senate to be appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, three members of the House of Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and three members who may or may not be members of the General Assembly to be appointed by the Governor. Notwithstanding Section 8-13-770 of the 1976 Code or any other provision of law, members of the General Assembly may be appointed to this commission and may serve on the commission, which shall not be considered an office of honor or profit of this State. Commission members are not entitled to receive the subsistence, mileage, and per diem otherwise provided by law for members of state boards, committees, and commissions.
SECTION 2. This joint resolution takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
