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Bill

HC 23

B.B. King or Elvis Presley; request the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve the replacement of Jefferson Davis with either.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Earle Banks

Urges the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to replace Jefferson Davis with B.B. King or Elvis Presley in Library displays; non-binding and died in committee.

Died In Committee
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Bill Summary · HC 23

HC 23 — Summary

Quick overview

  • Bill number: HC 23
  • Title: B.B. King or Elvis Presley; request the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve the replacement of Jefferson Davis with either.
  • Type: Concurrent resolution
  • Subject: Rules
  • Introduced: January 17, 2025
  • Status: Died in Committee (April 3, 2025)
  • Primary action: Urges the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve replacing Jefferson Davis with either B.B. King or Elvis Presley
  • Current effect: Non-binding expression of sentiment; does not itself enact or amend law

Purpose and intent

  • The bill seeks to alter a commemorative display or memorial matter managed by the Library of Congress by requesting the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve replacing a representation of Jefferson Davis with either B.B. King or Elvis Presley.
  • It reflects an intent to shift a historical tribute from Davis (a Confederate figure) to one of two influential American musicians, thereby adjusting the cultural or educational framing presented by the Library’s commemorative holdings.

Key provisions

  • Directs/requests the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve the replacement.
  • Specifies two potential replacements: B.B. King or Elvis Presley.
  • As a concurrent resolution, this bill functions as guidance or a formal expression of the Legislature’s position rather than as binding law.
  • Does not establish funding, authorization, or mandated timelines; any actual replacement would require follow-on actions by the Library of Congress and applicable procedures.

Affected parties and entities

  • Primary: Joint Committee on the Library of Congress (JCLC), which oversees matters related to the Library’s statutory functions and commemorative displays.
  • Secondary: The Library of Congress (in implementing any approved change), stakeholders in cultural heritage and public display interpretations, and the general public who encounter the Library’s exhibitions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced January 17, 2025 and referred to the Rules committee.
  • Died in Committee on April 3, 2025, meaning it did not advance to floor consideration and did not become law or state policy.
  • As a concurrent resolution, passage requires both chambers, but even if passed, it would primarily express legislative sentiment rather than impose a mandatory action.

Potential impact and considerations

  • If revived or enacted, could influence public memory and representation within federal display spaces managed by the Library of Congress.
  • Any actual replacement would involve complex logistical, historical, and curatorial considerations, and would depend on the Library’s policies and procedures beyond the resolution.
  • The bill’s non-binding nature means it serves as a formal position statement rather than a directive with legal force.

Next steps (if pursued)

  • Possible reintroduction with clarifications (e.g., scope of the replacement, budget implications, specific exhibits).
  • Potential alignment with Library of Congress display policies and federal regulatory processes governing commemorative works.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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