act 310

This document outlines Senate Bill 307 from the Regular Session of 2023 in Arkansas. The bill, introduced by Senators K. Hammer, Dees, and J. Payton, along with Representative Bentley, aims to create a monument to the unborn and amend the law concerning the duties of the Secretary of State.

Here's a summary:

  1. Legislative Intent and Findings: The bill begins by stating the legislative findings regarding the historical and legal context of abortion in Arkansas and the United States. It references historical laws, common law, and previous Supreme Court decisions related to abortion.

  2. Monument to Unborn Children Display Fund: The bill establishes a trust fund called the "Monument to Unborn Children Display Fund" to receive gifts, grants, and donations. This fund is designated for the purpose of erecting and maintaining a monument on the State Capitol grounds commemorating unborn children aborted during the era of Roe v. Wade (1973).

  3. Monument to Unborn Children Display Act: This section outlines the specifics of the monument, including its placement on the State Capitol grounds, the selection of the artist and design, and the exemption of the monument from certain regulations. It also addresses legal challenges to the monument and the authority of the Secretary of State regarding contracts, maintenance, and repair of the monument.

Overall, Senate Bill 307 proposes the creation of a monument to the unborn on the State Capitol grounds in Arkansas, commemorating the lives lost due to abortion, and establishes a fund to finance its construction and maintenance.

Timeline of events

JANUARY 22, 1973: ROE V. WADE ESTABLISHED

Roe v. Wade, decided by the U.S. Supreme Court on January 22, 1973, legalized abortion nationwide by ruling that state laws restricting it were unconstitutional.

JUNE 22, 2023: SUPREME COURT OVERTURNS ROE V. WADE

After 50 years, in a decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court has ended constitutional protections for abortion, consequently safeguarding the lives of unborn babies in nearly half of the United States, including Arkansas.

MARCH 16, 2023: GOVERNOR HUCKABEE SANDERS SIGNS SENATE BILL 307

Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has officially enacted SB307 (Act 310), authorizing the establishment of a sacred "monument to the unborn" within the esteemed grounds of the Arkansas State Capitol.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2023: SECRETARY OF STATE OPENS SUBMISSIONS FOR MONUMENT DESIGN

Act 310 granted Secretary of State John Thurston the authority to facilitate and oversee the placement of a "monument to the unborn" on the grounds of the Capitol.

DECEMBER 13, 2023: CAPITOL GROUNDS COMMISSION SELECTS ARTIST LAKEY GOFF

The Capitol Arts and Grounds Commission selects Artist Lakey Goff’s idea and design for the proposed Living Wall Monument of the Unborn.

MAY 14, 2024: VOTE ON LOCATION FOR THE LIVING WALL MONUMENT (PENDING)

The Living Wall Monument to the Unborn shall be placed on the State Capital grounds, at a location selected and approved by the Secretary of State, John Thurston. Act 310 ( SB 3070 ) pg. 4 Line 6 &7