BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.C.R. 24
88R11567 AMB-D	By: Parker
	Administration
	3/28/2023
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Authorizing the State Preservation Board to approve the construction of a replica of the National Life Monument at the State Capitol Complex.

The National Life Monument celebrates the miracle of life and the women at the center of that miracle. Sculpted by artist Timothy Schmalz, the bronze sculpture depicts a mother with an unborn child cradled in a world-shaped womb. The eight-foot bronze statue was permanently installed at the Church of San Marcello al Corso in Rome in May 2022, and after a tour of the U.S., the original Life Monument was installed at the Theological College in Washington, D.C.

Under Chapter 443 (State Preservation Board), Government Code, and rules of the State Preservation Board, a portion of the north Capitol grounds is available for new monuments, subject to legislative approval, specified procedural requirements, the provision of funding from private donors, conformity to certain size and design limitations and parameters, and completion on a timely basis. A replica of the monument on the Capitol grounds would provide a communal place for Texans to celebrate the beauty of human life.

RESOLVED

That the 88th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby authorizes the State Preservation Board, subject to state law and rules of the board, to approve the construction of a replica of the National Life Monument at the State Capitol Complex, at a site outside of the historic Capitol grounds.

That the Texas secretary of state forward an official copy of this resolution to the executive director of the State Preservation Board.