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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
Buffalo Soldiers Arizona territory monument
Purpose
Authorizes the Legislative Council to provide for the placement of a memorial dedicated to the commemoration of Buffalo Soldiers in the Wesley Bolin Plaza.
Background
Laws 2018, Chapter 146 authorized the placement of a memorial dedicated to the commemoration of Buffalo Soldiers in the Wesley Bolin Plaza. Laws 2021, Chapter 360 extended the delayed repeal for the authorization of the memorial from October 1, 2021, to October 1, 2025.
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 memorial dedicated to the commemoration of Buffalo Soldiers in the Wesley Bolin Plaza.
2. Requires the memorial to be known as the Buffalo Soldiers Arizona Territory Monument.
3. Prohibits the use of public monies for the cost of memorial placement.
4. Specifies that all fundraising and contracts for the artistic design and construction of the memorial are the sole responsibility of the proponents of the memorial.
5. Repeals the authorization for the Buffalo Soldiers Arizona Territory Monument on October 1, 2027.
6. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
GOV 1/21/26 DP 9-0-0-0
3rd Read 2/17/26 57-0-3
Prepared by Senate Research
March 19, 2026
AN/TR/ci