Budget Amendment ID: FY2019-S4-372-R1

Redraft GOV 372

GAR Collection

Messrs. Ross, Rush, Humason and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 56 the following section:-

“SECTION 56A. There shall be a special commission to study and report on the feasibility of relocating the works of art and historic artifacts currently housed in the state house pursuant to section 16A of chapter 8 of the General Laws to a more prominent location. The commission shall consist of: the superintendent of the state house or a designee who shall serve as chair; 2 members of the house of representatives, 1 of whom shall be appointed by the house minority leader; 2 members of the senate, 1 of whom shall be appointed by the senate minority leader; 1 person to be appointed by the secretary of the commonwealth; and 1 person to be appointed by the governor. The commission shall be charged with: (i) evaluating the status of the Grand Army of the Republic, Department of Massachusetts, collection currently housed in the state house; (ii) investigating issues related to the storage, preservation and presentation of all items located in the Grand Army of the Republic memorial room, including all artifacts and related records; (iii) consideration of alternative locations where those items may be appropriately housed to maximize access by the viewing public; and (iv) exploring public-private partnerships to house the collection. The commission shall submit its findings and recommendations, including drafts of legislation necessary to carry out those recommendation, to the clerks of the senate and house of representatives and the senate and house chairs of the committees on ways and means not later than December 31, 2018.”