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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
AMENDED
freedom of speech monument; committee
Purpose
Authorizes the Legislative Council to provide for the placement of a freedom of speech monument in the Governmental Mall. Establishes the Freedom of Speech Monument Committee (Committee) to nominate and approve two individuals each year to be added to the freedom of speech monument.
Background
A monument or memorial may only be located in the Governmental Mall after authorization by the Legislature. After legislative authorization for construction, the Legislative Council must review the concept submitted by proponents, determine the most appropriate location and approve the final design. Before construction of a monument or memorial, the proponents must enter into a contract with the Legislative Council specifying the conditions of the design, dimensions and location of the monument or memorial, a list of the artists, contractors that will be employed, the minimum dollar amount required for deposit in the State Monument and Memorial Repair Fund and required liability insurance. Any approved monument or memorial must be completed and dedicated to the state within two years of the effective date of the legislative act authorizing the memorial. Public monies may not be used for the costs of creating and developing a memorial. All fundraising and contracts for artistic design and construction of the memorial are the sole responsibility of the memorial's proponents (A.R.S. § 41-1363).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Authorizes the Legislative Council to provide for the placement of a freedom of speech monument in the Government Mall.
2. Establishes the Committee, consisting of:
a) the President of the Senate, who must serve as the chairperson in even numbered years;
b) the
Speaker of the House of Representatives, who must serve as the chairperson in
odd-numbered years;
c) the Senate Majority Leader;
d) the House of Representatives Majority Leader;
e) the Senate Minority Leader;
f) the House of Representatives Minority Leader; and
g) the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court or the Chief Justice's designee.
3. Requires the Committee to meet on the call of the chairperson.
4. Requires the Committee to nominate and approve two individuals from different political parties each year to be added to the freedom of speech monument for their contributions to preserving freedom of speech in Arizona.
5. Specifies that an individual who is nominated must:
a) have been an Arizona resident; and
b) be deceased for at least five years.
6. Prohibits the use of public monies for the cost of monument placement.
7. Specifies that all fundraising and contracts for the artistic design and construction of the memorial are the sole responsibility of the proponents of the monument.
8. Repeals the authorization for the freedom of speech monument on September 30, 2029.
9. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Amendments Adopted by Committee
· Specifies that an individual who is nominated for the Committee must have been an Arizona resident.
Senate Action
GOV 2/18/26 DPA 5-1-1
Prepared by Senate Research
February 18, 2026
AN/TR/ci