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Monument protection bill sparks debate over scope and penalties; sponsor to revise language
Summary
SB 515 would broadly define monuments on public property and impose criminal penalties for relocation or damage. Lawmakers raised concerns that the bill's definitions are too broad (including streets, schools and small markers) and that class D felony penalties could criminalize minor acts; the sponsor agreed to pull the bill and draft clarifications.
Senator Mark Johnson introduced SB 515, a measure that would define "monument" expansively and prohibit relocation, renaming or damage to monuments on public property. The bill drew immediate, extended questioning about its scope and penalties.
The proposed definition includes statues, memorials, plaques, flag displays, schools, streets, bridges and facilities on…
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