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Witnesses back bill to codify maintenance authority for National Veterans Memorial

Special Committee on Tourism, Missouri House · February 4, 2026

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Summary

Supporters told the committee House Bill 18 28 would follow precedent to provide statutory authority for maintenance and operations of the National Veterans Memorial and allow cooperation with state appropriations. Witnesses described prior ARPA-funded construction and said the bill does not supplant Veterans Commission funding.

House Bill 18 28, sponsored by Representative Violet, drew testimony from Henry Talmock of Missouri's National Veterans Memorial describing prior appropriations and the intent of the measure. Talmock said the memorial has received about $7 million in ARPA-related appropriations, matched to roughly $14 million in new construction funds over several projects, and that the current bill would follow precedent by placing maintenance/operations language in statute so the memorial can work with state partners on upkeep.

Representative Veronetti asked about an "up to $500,000" reference in written notes and whether that amount represented planned work or a general authorization. The sponsor and witnesses said the language is intended as standing authority for needed renovations and maintenance rather than an immediate, specified project. Witnesses emphasized the bill is not intended to take funds from or replace the work of the Veterans Commission.

No witnesses opposed the bill at the hearing. The committee closed the public hearing on House Bill 18 28 and adjourned.