Committee approves amended measure to place historic marker and allow privately funded Clarence Thomas statue at Capitol grounds

Representative Buckner presented House Bill 254 (sub LC395054S) describing a effort to place a bronze historic marker on the Capitol grounds as part of a national commemoration for the nation’s 250th anniversary. "There is a national commission to celebrate the 250th birthday of America...they have given the state of Georgia a bronze historic marker," he said, explaining the marker must be approved by the Capitol Arts Commission after legislative steps.

Leader Annova Tartay offered a change on the substitute to add placement language for a statue of the Hon. Clarence Thomas at the Nathan Deal Judicial Center and clarified that private funds, not public funds, would be used. "Not using public funds," she said, and members confirmed that aspect.

After brief discussion the committee voted on the amended substitute (LC395054S) by raised hands. The transcript records the chair counting hands and noting a tally in open session; the motion carried and the item will be reported out of committee for potential consideration in regular rules the following day.

The committee will forward the amended bill for further consideration; staff indicated the measure would appear on the next-day committee report.