SB236 Alabama 2023 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Robert L. StewartSenator
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2023
Title: Relating to monuments; to require the Alabama State Commission on the Arts to oversee the construction of a statue of John Lewis at the entrance to the Edmund Pettus Bridge.
Summary: SB236 would require the Alabama State Council on the Arts to oversee the design and construction of a life-size statue of John Lewis at the entrance to the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma.
What This Bill Does
The Alabama State Council on the Arts would commission the design and construction of a life-size statue dedicated to John Lewis and determine its placement near the Northwestern entrance of the Edmund Pettus Bridge (Broad Street and Water Avenue). The council may accept gifts, grants, donations, including in-kind services, and may use funds appropriated by the Legislature if necessary to complete the statue. The statue may not be relocated, removed, altered, renamed, or disturbed without the council's prior permission. The act would take effect on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor.

Who It Affects
Alabama State Council on the Arts: must oversee the statue project, including design, construction, and management of gifts/donations and any necessary funding.
Residents and visitors of Selma and Alabama: will encounter the John Lewis statue at the Edmund Pettus Bridge entrance and are subject to preservation rules that prevent relocation or alteration without council permission.

Key Provisions
Commission the design and construction of a life-size statue dedicated to John Lewis, to be placed at the Northwestern entrance to the Edmund Pettus Bridge (Broad Street and Water Avenue).
Include a protective barrier and pedestal base for the statue.
The council may accept public or private gifts, grants, and donations, including in-kind services, for use in commissioning the statue, and may use funds appropriated by the Legislature if necessary.
The statue may not be relocated, removed, altered, renamed, or disturbed without the prior permission of the council.
This act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor (or its otherwise becoming law).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Council on the Arts, to erect John Lewis monument in Selma