NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Office of Cultural Affairs

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 850 proposes to amend Section 12-3-16 to remove the instruction to the Statuary Hall Commission that a statue of Pope be designed and created for placement in the National Statuary Hall. Also, the bill directs the Commission to prepare a report for the Second Session of the Forty-sixth Legislature that proposes three to five persons to be considered for a statue in the Nation Statuary Hall.

Significant Issues

In 1997, New Mexico passed legislation that created the New Mexico Statuary Hall Commission and directed it to oversee the design, creation and installation of a statue of Pope, who was a San Juan Pueblo Indian strategist and warrior respected as a leader of the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. The Commission was appointed by the Governor and includes representatives of various pueblo Indian tribes, the State Cultural Affairs Officer, the Governor's Chief of Staff, the State Treasurer, and the Director of the Office of Indian Affairs.

The National Statuary Hall was created in 1864 and houses the U.S. Capital's collection of statues donated by the individual states. Currently, there are 97 statues contributed by all 50 states. New Mexico is one of three states yet to donate a second statue for the Hall. The figure of the late Senator Dennis Chavez is the only statue representing New Mexico currently.

According to the Office of Cultural Affairs, the process for creating the sculpture of Pope is well underway. The Commission has recently completed the selection of an artist to produce the statue. Passage of this bill would halt this process, and require it to begin a new process. The current process of selecting a figure and artist has been underway for two years. Beginning a new process could take as long, or longer.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The bill does not contain an appropriation. The Commission receives working staff from the Office of Cultural Affairs and the Office of the Governor. Beginning the selection process again would have additional fiscal implications to be absorbed in the existing operating budgets of these two agencies.

MW/prr