Existing law provides for various memorials and monuments on the grounds of the State Capitol. Existing law requires the Department of General Services to maintain state buildings and grounds.

This bill would authorize a nonprofit organization representing veterans of the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait in consultation with the Department of General Services, to plan, construct, and maintain a monument to the veterans of the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait on the grounds of the State Capitol. The bill would require the nonprofit organization to submit a plan for the monument to the Joint Rules Committee for its review and approval. The bill would require the monument to be funded exclusively from private sources.

Existing law provides for various memorials and monuments on the grounds of the State Capitol. Existing law requires the Department of General Services to maintain state buildings and grounds.

This bill would authorize a nonprofit organization representing veterans of the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait in consultation with the Department of General Services, to plan, construct, and maintain a monument to the veterans of the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait on the grounds of the State Capitol. The bill would require the nonprofit organization to submit a plan for the monument to the Joint Rules Committee for its review and approval. The bill would require the monument to be funded exclusively from private sources.

Existing law provides for various memorials and monuments on the grounds of the State Capitol. Existing law requires the Department of General Services to maintain state buildings and grounds.

This bill would authorize a nonprofit organization representing veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait in consultation with the Department of General Services, to plan, construct, and maintain a monument to the veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait on the grounds of the State Capitol. The bill would require the nonprofit organization to submit a plan for the monument to the Joint Rules Committee for its review and approval. The bill would require the monument to be funded exclusively from private sources.

Existing law provides for various memorials and monuments on the grounds of the State Capitol. Existing law requires the Department of General Services to maintain state buildings and grounds.

This bill would authorize a nonprofit organization representing veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, in consultation with the Department of General Services, to plan, construct, and maintain a monument to the veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan on the grounds of the State Capitol. The bill would require the nonprofit organization to submit a plan for the monument to the Joint Rules Committee for its review and approval. The bill would require the monument to be funded exclusively from private sources.

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: AB 1452

Author: Mathis (R) and Ramos (D), et al.

Amended: 3/30/23 in Assembly

Vote: 21

SENATE GOVERNMENTAL ORG. COMMITTEE: 14-0, 6/13/23

AYES: Dodd, Wilk, Alvarado-Gil, Archuleta, Ashby, Bradford, Glazer, Nguyen, Ochoa Bogh, Padilla, Portantino, Roth, Rubio, Seyarto

NO VOTE RECORDED: Jones

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 66-0, 5/11/23 (Consent) - See last page for vote

SUBJECT: State Capitol: Iraq Afghanistan Kuwait Veterans Memorial monument

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST:

This bill authorizes a nonprofit organization representing veterans of the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait, and in consultation with the Department of General Services (DGS), to plan, construct, and maintain a monument to those veterans of the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait on the grounds of the State Capitol, as specified.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Provides for various memorials and monuments within the State Capitol Building and on the State Capitol grounds, and prescribes various duties of DGS in connection with the development and maintenance of the State Capitol Building and grounds.
2. Establishes the Historic State Capitol Commission for the purposes of, among other things, reviewing and advising the Legislature on any development, improvement, or other physical change in any aspect of the historic State Capitol.
3. Establishes the Historic State Capitol Commission for the purpose of, among other things, reviewing and advising the Legislature on any development, improvement, or other physical change in any aspect of the historic State Capitol.

This bill:

1. Authorizes a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization representing veterans of the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait, in consultation with DGS, to plan, construct, and maintain a monument to veterans of the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait on the grounds of the State Capitol, as specified.
2. Requires DGS, in consultation with the nonprofit organization, to do all of the following:
   1. Review the preliminary design plans to identify potential maintenance concerns.
   2. Ensure compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and address safety concerns.
   3. Review and approve any documents prepared pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act for the work on the grounds of the State Capitol.
   4. Review final construction documents to ensure that the documents comply with all applicable laws.
   5. Prepare the right-of-entry permit outlining the final area of work, final construction documents, construction plans, the contractor hired to perform the work, insurance, bonding, provisions for damage to state property, and inspection requirements.
   6. Prepare a maintenance agreement outlining the responsibility of the nonprofit organization for the long-term maintenance of the monument due to aging, vandalism, or relocation.
   7. Inspect all construction performed by the contractor selected by the nonprofit.
3. Requires the nonprofit organization undertaking responsibility for the monument to submit a plan for the monument to the Joint Rules Committee (JRC) for its review and approval.
4. Prohibits the nonprofit from beginning construction of the monument until the JRC has approved and adopted the plan for the monument and the JRC and the Department of Finance (DOF) have determined that sufficient private funding is available, as specified.
5. Requires the planning, construction, and maintenance of the monument to be funded exclusively through private funding.

Background

Author Statement. According to the author’s statement, “AB 1452 will allow nonprofit organizations to build a monument, on the grounds of the state Capitol, to honor the veterans of the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. As a veteran who served two tours in Iraq, I know the sacrifices our state’s brave service members have made during these conflicts. It is important that California remembers and honors the men and women of our military who gave their lives to defend our freedoms. It is also important to honor the families who lost loved ones in war. The proposed memorial will both provide recognition for the sacrifices of those who fought and were lost in these conflicts, and also provide hope and healing to those grieving the loss of their children, siblings, parents, and spouses.”

California State Capitol Park. In the past 30 years, three new memorials have been erected in Capitol Park: the California Veterans Memorial, the California Firefighters Memorial, and the World Peace Rose Garden. Additionally, there are the following memorials within the boundaries of Capitol Park: California Vietnam Veterans Memorial, California Peace Officers Memorial, California Veterans of the Korean War Memorial, California Mexican-American Veterans Memorial, Spanish-American War Memorial, California Hispanic Veterans Memorial, Fallen Employees of the Department of Transportation Memorial, the Military Order of the Purple Heart Memorial, and the Civil War Memorial Grove. Furthermore, Capitol Park contains a monument in honor of Thomas Starr King, and bronze seals commemorating the California Indians and Spanish/Mexican settlers.

These memorials were originally established with the support of outside organizations, nonprofits, and commissions with financial and management responsibility for the memorials. Over time, some of these organizations have dissolved leaving some memorials with no oversight and no statutory authority for maintenance.

Additionally, several memorials have been approved by the Legislature (see Related/Prior Legislation) but the Legislature has conditioned the start of construction of those memorials on adoption of a master plan for the Capitol Park by the JRC. This requirement is intended to address logistical concerns with respect to the specific location and particular size of each memorial and the cumulative effect on the Park’s overall environment. For example, a particular group may desire that their specific project be placed in a more visible area of the Park or be larger in size than what can be easily accommodated and overshadow existing memorials.

California State Capitol Complex. The Capitol Complex is comprised of two sections: the original west wing, completed between 1860-1874, and the attached Annex, constructed in 1952, which adjoins the east side of the historic west wing. Prior to 2022, the Annex was home to the Governor’s offices, 115 of California’s 120 lawmakers, and key legislative professional support offices. In 2016, the complex had nearly 2 million visitors, including tens of thousands of grade school children.

The Annex was built before the invention of a number of modern technologies or adoption of accessibility standards, and is faced with failing systems and infrastructure. In 2016, the Legislature approved and the Governor signed the State Capitol Building Annex Act, which provides funding for a project to address deficiencies in the existing Annex. In 2017, the JRC contracted with an independent architectural and engineering firm to assess the current uses and further needs of the Annex, titled “The California State Capitol Annex Project Planning Study.”

In December 2022, California’s 3rd District Court of Appeals in Sacramento found that DGS did not include a thorough analysis of the project’s impact on historical resources, aesthetics, or analysis of alternatives. The ruling requires the state to collect feedback on the design of the new annex, which was decided after the first public comment periods originally closed. The public comment period for the annex project has been extended to June 15, 2023, with an additional public hearing scheduled for early June. According to new plans, construction likely will continue until at least 2026.

Moratorium. The 2007 Budget Act provided $1.5 million from the General Fund to complete a Capitol Park Master Plan, which is intended to identify the historic landscape of the Park, current infrastructure conditions, security and maintenance needs, and future memorial locations, and how to address these issues over the next 50 years. The JRC is currently working with DGS to develop a master plan for the Capitol Park grounds. Until the plan is developed, DGS has instituted an “unofficial” moratorium on additional memorials and monuments in Capitol Park, which is supported by the JRC.

The Wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. The wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait, fought primarily by the United States and their allies, are a significant part of recent history, with effects that reverberate to the present day.

The war in Kuwait, known as the Gulf War and sometimes referred to as the First Iraq War, was fought from 1990 to 1991 in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait. The United States led a broad international coalition that included several Arab states and expelled Iraqi forces from Kuwait in a campaign that was notable for its limited duration and the use of sophisticated technology. However, the war left enduring tensions in the region and resulted in the imposition of economic sanctions on Iraq. Nearly 700,000 American service members participated in the six-month war.

The war in Afghanistan, the longest war in US history, was launched in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The United States and its allies aimed to dismantle al-Qaeda, the terrorist organization responsible for the attacks, and to remove the Taliban government, which had provided safe haven to al-Qaeda. In May of 2011, President Obama announced that United States’ armed forces had located and killed the primary target for the war, al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. This conflict, involving a protracted counterinsurgency campaign against the Taliban, has had far-reaching implications. Although the US officially ended combat operations in 2014, instability persisted, and in August of 2021, the last military forces departed Afghanistan, leaving it under Taliban rule. Since October 2001, over 800,000 American troops saw combat in Afghanistan.

The Iraq War, also referred to as the Second Iraq War, began in 2003, with the United States and its allies invading Iraq under the pretext that its leader, Saddam Hussein, possessed weapons of mass destruction. The war, which resulted in Hussein's removal and death, has been marked by controversy due to the failure to find these weapons. The aftermath of the war saw Iraq plunge into sectarian violence and the emergence of ISIS, a radical jihadist group. The Iraq War, which lasted until 2011, has a complex geopolitical context that is both historical and contemporary, involving geopolitical and regional conflicts as well as social and cultural tensions. Over 4,600 American service members were killed during the conflict, and more than 32,000 wounded.

The veterans who served in these wars faced challenging and complex situations, and their experiences varied greatly. Their service and sacrifices are diverse as the environments they served in – from traditional combat scenarios to nation-building and counterinsurgency efforts. These wars were characterized by their urban and remote warfare settings, their interaction with local populations, and the psychological toll of asymmetrical warfare, including the threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and the often blurred lines between civilians and combatants.

The cost of caring for veterans who served in Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan could top $2.5 trillion by 20250, according to the Watson Institute for international and Public Affairs at Brown University. Researchers cited “more frequent and longer deployments, higher levels of exposure to combat, higher rates of survival from injuries, higher incidence of serious disability, and more complex medical treatments.” Prior studies suggest approximately three million veterans participated in the Afghanistan and both Iraq Wars, contributing either combat or support capacities. Today, the median age of the post-9/11 cohort of combat veterans is just under 40 years old.

Additionally, this era in American military history bookends the repealed policy of “don’t ask don’t tell,” (DADT) prohibiting openly gay, lesbian, or bisexual Americans from military service. That policy, instituted by President Clinton in 1994 – not long after the end of the first Iraq War – was reversed in 2011, the same year that the Second Iraq War officially concluded. After the repeal of DADT, gay, lesbian, and bisexual American service members were allowed for the first time in American history to openly and actively serve in a war zone until the withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. From 1994 to 2010, over 13,500 active service members were discharged from the military under DADT.

The proposed monument seeks to honor these veterans, their service, and their sacrifices. But it also presents an opportunity for reflection. Understanding the history of these wars and the contexts in which they were fought is crucial for comprehending the experiences of the veterans they seek to honor. It should remind the public not only of the price of these conflicts but also of the complexities and consequences of the wars themselves. These wars’ legacies are still being defined and will continue to evolve as we gain further historical perspective. Cumulatively, the three wars totaled nearly 30 years and over 7,000 American service member deaths.

A New Monument in Capitol Park. This bill paves the way for a recognized non-profit organization, holding a 501(c)(3) status, and representing veterans of the Iraq, Afghanistan, and Gulf wars, to create a monument honoring these veterans in Capitol Park. However, this bill requires collaboration and oversight by DGS. As part of this collaboration, the DGS will need to review the initial design plans to identify any potential issues that might complicate the monument's future maintenance.

Another element the DGS will oversee involves environmental considerations. It will review and approve any documents related to CEQA to ensure the monument's construction respects the environmental integrity of the State Capitol grounds.

Furthermore, the DGS will closely examine the final construction plans to ensure full compliance with all relevant laws. It will also create an official permit that details the final work area, construction plans, chosen contractor, insurance and bonding details, stipulations for potential damage to state property, and inspection requirements.

Before the non-profit organization can begin construction, it must get approval from the JRC, responsible for approving events, exhibits, and equipment for events, for its monument plan. The Committee, in conjunction with DOF, will also need to verify that sufficient private funding is available to build and maintain the monument. This bill specifies that all costs related to planning, construction, and maintenance of the monument will be borne through private funding.

This bill does not specify where the monument would be placed in Capitol Park. With the ongoing State Capitol Annex Project, the monument will need to be placed outside of the footprint of the new building and in a location that minimizes impact to the existing plant life.

Related/Prior Legislation

AB 298 (Mathis, 2023) authorizes a nonprofit organization that represents blind veterans to plan, construct, and maintain a Braille American flag to serve as a monument to blind veterans of California and the United States in the California State Capitol Building, as specified. (Pending on the Senate Floor)

AB 1350 (Soria, 2023) creates the Capitol Park Veterans Memorial Fund, to be administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, for the purpose of the maintenance and rehabilitation of existing veterans memorials in the State Capitol. (Pending in the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee)

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No

SUPPORT: (Verified 6/26/23)

American Legion-Department of California

AMVETS-Department of California

California State Commanders Veterans Council

Military Officers Association of America-California Council of Chapters

Vietnam Veterans of America-California State Council

OPPOSITION: (Verified 6/26/23)

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: The coalition of supporters write that, “[v]eterans memorials honor the sacrifice made by the men and women who lost their lives in the defense of our country. A memorial to those who lost their lives in the recent wars in the Middle East would follow in the hallowed tradition of establishing permanent remembrances at state capitols to those who paid the ultimate price for their country. All state capitols and the national capitol are part legislative and part historical. They contain the symbols of national outlook and reflect the values of the citizens through monuments and symbology. If society does not honor those who died for it, then that society loses its sense of shared cultural values and respect.”

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 66-0, 5/11/23

AYES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Alanis, Bains, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bryan, Calderon, Wendy Carrillo, Chen, Connolly, Megan Dahle, Davies, Essayli, Flora, Mike Fong, Vince Fong, Friedman, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Grayson, Haney, Holden, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Lackey, Low, Lowenthal, Maienschein, Mathis, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Stephanie Nguyen, Pacheco, Papan, Joe Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Reyes, Luz Rivas, Robert Rivas, Rodriguez, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Santiago, Schiavo, Soria, Ta, Ting, Valencia, Villapudua, Waldron, Wallis, Weber, Wicks, Wilson, Zbur, Rendon

NO VOTE RECORDED: Alvarez, Arambula, Bauer-Kahan, Bonta, Juan Carrillo, Cervantes, Dixon, Hart, Lee, McCarty, Ortega, Jim Patterson, Ward, Wood

Prepared by: Brian Duke / G.O. / (916) 651-1530

6/28/23 11:06:30

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION

Senator Bill Dodd

Chair

2023 - 2024 Regular

Bill No: 1452 Hearing Date: 6/13/2023

SUBJECT: State Capitol: Iraq Afghanistan Kuwait Veterans Memorial monument

DIGEST: This bill authorizes a nonprofit organization representing veterans of the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait, and in consultation with the Department of General Services (DGS), to plan, construct, and maintain a monument to those veterans of the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait on the grounds of the State Capitol, as specified.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Provides for various memorials and monuments within the State Capitol Building and on the State Capitol grounds, and prescribes various duties of DGS in connection with the development and maintenance of the State Capitol Building and grounds.
2. Establishes the Historic State Capitol Commission for the purposes of, among other things, reviewing and advising the Legislature on any development, improvement, or other physical change in any aspect of the historic State Capitol.
3. Establishes the Historic State Capitol Commission for the purpose of, among other things, reviewing and advising the Legislature on any development, improvement, or other physical change in any aspect of the historic State Capitol.

This bill:

1. Authorizes a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization representing veterans of the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait, in consultation with DGS, to plan, construct, and maintain a monument to veterans of the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait on the grounds of the State Capitol, as specified.
2. Requires DGS, in consultation with the nonprofit organization, to do all of the following:
   1. Review the preliminary design plans to identify potential maintenance concerns.
   2. Ensure compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and address safety concerns.
   3. Review and approve any documents prepared pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act for the work on the grounds of the State Capitol.
   4. Review final construction documents to ensure that the documents comply with all applicable laws.
   5. Prepare the right-of-entry permit outlining the final area of work, final construction documents, construction plans, the contractor hired to perform the work, insurance, bonding, provisions for damage to state property, and inspection requirements.
   6. Prepare a maintenance agreement outlining the responsibility of the nonprofit organization for the long-term maintenance of the monument due to aging, vandalism, or relocation.
   7. Inspect all construction performed by the contractor selected by the nonprofit.
3. Requires the nonprofit organization undertaking responsibility for the monument to submit a plan for the monument to the Joint Rules Committee for its review and approval.
4. Prohibits the nonprofit from beginning construction of the monument until both of the following have occurred:
   1. The Joint Rules Committee has approved and adopted the plan for the monument.
   2. The Joint Rules Committee and the Department of Finance (DOF) have determined that sufficient private funding is available to construct and maintain the monument.
5. Requires the planning, construction, and maintenance of the monument to be funded exclusively through private funding.

Background

Author Statement. According to the author’s statement, “AB 1452 will allow nonprofit organizations to build a monument, on the grounds of the state Capitol, to honor the veterans of the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. As a veteran who served two tours in Iraq, I know the sacrifices our state’s brave service members have made during these conflicts. It is important that California remembers and honors the men and women of our military who gave their lives to defend our freedoms. It is also important to honor the families who lost loved ones in war. The proposed memorial will both provide recognition for the sacrifices of those who fought and were lost in these conflicts, and also provide hope and healing to those grieving the loss of their children, siblings, parents, and spouses.”

California State Capitol Park. In the past 30 years, three new memorials have been erected in Capitol Park: the California Veterans Memorial, the California Firefighters Memorial, and the World Peace Rose Garden. Additionally, there are the following memorials within the boundaries of Capitol Park: California Vietnam Veterans Memorial, California Peace Officers Memorial, California Veterans of the Korean War Memorial, California Mexican-American Veterans Memorial, Spanish-American War Memorial, California Hispanic Veterans memorial, Fallen Employees of the Department of Transportation Memorial, the Military Order of the Purple Heart Memorial, and the Civil War Memorial Grove. Furthermore, Capitol Park contains a monument in honor of Thomas Starr King, and bronze seals commemorating the California Indians and Spanish/Mexican settlers.

These memorials were originally established with the support of outside organizations, nonprofits, and commissions with financial and management responsibility for the memorials. Over time, some of these organizations have dissolved leaving some memorials with no oversight and no statutory authority for maintenance.

Additionally, several memorials have been approved by the Legislature (see Prior/Related Legislation) but the Legislature has conditioned the start of construction of those memorials on adoption of a master plan for the Capitol Park by the Joint Committee on Rules. This requirement is intended to address logistical concerns with respect to the specific location and particular size of each memorial and the cumulative effect on the Park’s overall environment. For example, a particular group may desire that their specific project be placed in a more visible area of the Park or be larger in size than what can be easily accommodated and overshadow existing memorials.

California State Capitol Complex. The Capitol Complex is comprised of two sections: the original west wing, completed between 1860-1874, and the attached Annex, constructed in 1952, which adjoins the east side of the historic west wing. Prior to 2022, the Annex was home to the Governor’s offices, 115 of California’s 120 lawmakers, and key legislative professional support offices. In 2016, the complex had nearly 2 million visitors, including tens of thousands of grade school children.

The Annex was built before the invention of a number of modern technologies or adoption of accessibility standards, and is faced with failing systems and infrastructure. In 2016, the Legislature approved and the Governor signed the State Capitol Building Annex Act, which provides funding for a project to address deficiencies in the existing Annex. In 2017, the Joint Rules Committee contracted with an independent architectural and engineering firm to assess the current uses and further needs of the Annex, titled “The California State Capitol Annex Project Planning Study.” The findings of this study were presented at an informational hearing held by the Joint Rules Committee.

In December 2022, California’s 3rd District Court of Appeals in Sacramento found that DGS did not include a thorough analysis of the project’s impact on historical resources, aesthetics, or analysis of alternatives. The ruling requires the state to collect feedback on the design of the new annex, which was decided after the first public comment periods originally closed. The public comment period for the annex project has been extended to June 15, 2023, with an additional public hearing scheduled for early June. According to new plans, construction likely will continue until at least 2026.

Moratorium. The 2007 Budget Act provided $1.5 million from the General Fund to complete a Capitol Park Master Plan, which is intended to identify the historic landscape of the Park, current infrastructure conditions, security and maintenance needs, and future memorial locations, and how to address these issues over the next 50 years. The Joint Committee on Rules is currently working with DGS to develop a master plan for the Capitol Park grounds. Until the plan is developed, DGS has instituted an “unofficial” moratorium on additional memorials and monuments in Capitol Park, which is supported by the Joint Committee on Rules.

The Wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. The Wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait, fought primarily by the United States and their allies, are a significant part of recent history, with effects that reverberate to the present day.

The war in Kuwait, known as the Gulf War and sometimes referred to as the First Iraq War, was fought from 1990 to 1991 in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait. The United States led a broad international coalition that included several Arab states and expelled Iraqi forces from Kuwait in a campaign that was notable for its limited duration and the use of sophisticated technology. However, the war left enduring tensions in the region and resulted in the imposition of economic sanctions on Iraq. Nearly 700,000 American service members participated in the six-month war.

The war in Afghanistan, the longest war in US history, was launched in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The United States and its allies aimed to dismantle al-Qaeda, the terrorist organization responsible for the attacks, and to remove the Taliban government, which had provided safe haven to al-Qaeda. In May of 2011, President Obama announced that United States’ armed forces had located and killed the primary target for the war, al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. This conflict, involving a protracted counterinsurgency campaign against the Taliban, has had far-reaching implications. Although the US officially ended combat operations in 2014, instability persisted, and in August of 2021, the last military forces departed Afghanistan, leaving it under Taliban rule. Since October 2001, over 800,000 American troops saw combat in Afghanistan.

The Iraq War, also referred to as the Second Iraq War, began in 2003, with the United States and its allies invading Iraq under the pretext that its leader, Saddam Hussein, possessed weapons of mass destruction. The war, which resulted in Hussein's removal and death, has been marked by controversy due to the failure to find these weapons. The aftermath of the war saw Iraq plunge into sectarian violence and the emergence of ISIS, a radical jihadist group. The Iraq War, which lasted until 2011, has a complex geopolitical context that is both historical and contemporary, involving geopolitical and regional conflicts as well as social and cultural tensions. Over 4,600 American service members were killed during the conflict, and more than 32,000 wounded.

The veterans who served in these wars faced challenging and complex situations, and their experiences varied greatly. Their service and sacrifices are diverse as the environments they served in – from traditional combat scenarios to nation-building and counterinsurgency efforts. These wars were characterized by their urban and remote warfare settings, their interaction with local populations, and the psychological toll of asymmetrical warfare, including the threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and the often blurred lines between civilians and combatants.

The cost of caring for veterans who served in Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan could top $2.5 trillion by 20250, according to the Watson Institute for international and Public Affairs at Brown University. Researchers cited “more frequent and longer deployments, higher levels of exposure to combat, higher rates of survival from injuries, higher incidence of serious disability, and more complex medical treatments.” Prior studies suggest approximately three million veterans participated in the Afghanistan and both Iraq Wars, contributing either combat or support capacities. Today, the median age of the post-9/11 cohort of combat veterans is just under 40 years old.

Additionally, this era in American military history bookends the repealed policy of “don’t ask don’t tell,” (DADT) prohibiting openly gay, lesbian, or bisexual Americans from military service. That policy, instituted by President Clinton in 1994 – not long after the end of the first Iraq War – was reversed in 2011, the same year that the Second Iraq War officially concluded. After the repeal of DADT, gay, lesbian, and bisexual American service members were allowed for the first time in American history to openly and actively serve in a war zone until the withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. From 1994 to 2010, over 13,500 active service members were discharged from the military under DADT.

The proposed monument seeks to honor these veterans, their service, and their sacrifices. But it also presents an opportunity for reflection. Understanding the history of these wars and the contexts in which they were fought is crucial for comprehending the experiences of the veterans they seek to honor. It should remind the public not only of the price of these conflicts but also of the complexities and consequences of the wars themselves. These wars’ legacies are still being defined and will continue to evolve as we gain further historical perspective. Cumulatively, the three wars totaled nearly 30 years and over 7,000 American service member deaths.

A New Monument in Capitol Park. This bill paves the way for a recognized non-profit organization, holding a 501(c)(3) status, and representing veterans of the Iraq, Afghanistan, and Gulf wars, to create a monument honoring these veterans in Capitol Park. However, this bill requires collaboration and oversight by DGS. As part of this collaboration, the DGS will need to review the initial design plans to identify any potential issues that might complicate the monument's future maintenance. This includes ensuring the design is fully accessible, compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and addresses any safety concerns.

Another element the DGS will oversee involves environmental considerations. It will review and approve any documents related to CEQA to ensure the monument's construction respects the environmental integrity of the State Capitol grounds.

Furthermore, the DGS will closely examine the final construction plans to ensure full compliance with all relevant laws. It will also create an official permit that details the final work area, construction plans, chosen contractor, insurance and bonding details, stipulations for potential damage to state property, and inspection requirements.

Before the non-profit organization can begin construction, it must get approval from the Joint Rules Committee, responsible for approving events, exhibits, and equipment for events, for its monument plan. The Committee, in conjunction with DOF, will also need to verify that sufficient private funding is available to build and maintain the monument. This bill specifies that all costs related to planning, construction, and maintenance of the monument will be borne through private funding.

This bill does not specify where the monument would be placed in Capitol Park. With the ongoing State Capitol Annex Project, the monument will need to be placed outside of the footprint of the new building and in a location that minimizes impact to the existing plant life.

Prior/Related Legislation

AB 298 (Mathis, 2023) would authorize a nonprofit organization that represents blind veterans to plan, construct, and maintain a Braille American flag to serve as a monument to blind veterans of California and the United States in the California State Capitol Building, as specified. (Pending in the Senate Governmental Organization Committee)

AB 1350 (Soria, 2023) creates the Capitol Park Veterans Memorial Fund, to be administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, for the purpose of the maintenance and rehabilitation of existing veterans memorials in the State Capitol. (Pending referral in the Senate)

AB 1762 (Mathis, Chapter 205, Statutes of 2022) authorized a nonprofit organization representing Gold Star Families, in consultation with DGS, to plan, construct, and maintain a monument to the Gold Star Families of California on the grounds of the State Capitol, as specified.

AB 338 (Ramos, Chapter 280, Statutes of 2021) authorized the construction and maintenance of a monument to the California Native people of the Sacramento, California, region on the grounds of the State Capitol, as specified. Additionally, the bill deleted the requirement that DGS erect and maintain a monument to Father Junipero Serra on the grounds of the State Capitol.

AB 2704 (Gipson, Chapter, Statutes of 2016) authorized the construction and maintenance of a bust in the State Capitol Building Annex to honor Mervyn M. Dymally.

AB 2358 (Hagman, Chapter 682, Statutes of 2012) authorized the construction of a memorial in the State Capitol Building Annex to honor former Governor and United State President, Ronald Reagan.

AB 2767 (W. Brown, Chapter 1757, Statutes of 1984) created the Historic State Capitol Commission to review and hold limited management over specified aspects of the historic State Capitol, as specified.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:

SUPPORT:

American Legion-Department of California

AMVETS-Department of California

California State Commanders Veterans Council

Military Officers Association of America-California Council of Chapters

Vietnam Veterans of America-California State Council

OPPOSITION:

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: The coalition of supporters write that, “[v]eterans memorials honor the sacrifice made by the men and women who lost their lives in the defense of our country. A memorial to those who lost their lives in the recent wars in the Middle East would follow in the hallowed tradition of establishing permanent remembrances at state capitols to those who paid the ultimate price for their country. All state capitols and the national capitol are part legislative and part historical. They contain the symbols of national outlook and reflect the values of the citizens through monuments and symbology. If society does not honor those who died for it, then that society loses its sense of shared cultural values and respect.”

Date of Hearing: May 3, 2023

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Chris Holden, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1452

Author:(Mathis) – As Amended Ver:March 30, 2023

Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No

SUMMARY:

This bill authorizes the construction and maintenance of a monument to veterans of the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait on the grounds of the State Capitol.

Specifically, this bill:

1. Authorizes a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization representing veterans of the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait, in consultation with the Department of General Services (DGS), to plan for a monument to veterans of those wars on the grounds of the State Capitol. The nonprofit must submit a plan to the Joint Rules Committee for review and approval.
2. Requires the monument to be privately funded and prohibits construction of the monument until the Joint Rules Committee and the Department of Finance (DOF) determine sufficient private funding is available.

FISCAL EFFECT:

1. Minor and absorbable costs to DGS for consultation and maintenance of the monument’s construction on the State Capitol grounds.
2. Minor and absorbable costs to the Joint Rules Committee and DOF to review construction and funding plans for the monument.

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose. According to the author:

As the first millennial combat veteran with a purple heart elected to state office, I am proud to author AB 1452 which would authorize a non-profit organization to plan, construct, and maintain a monument honoring the veterans of the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait. This bill is our acknowledgement to the over 37,000 service members and veterans who died during deployment or upon their return. It demonstrates that we honor their sacrifice, today and forever, and want them to feel included at our State Capitol. It is the least we can do because without our veterans, we’d have no Capitol, no California, and no United States.

1. Monuments at the State Capitol. Aside from the State Capitol building itself, Capitol Park is significant for its many memorials recognizing groups and individuals who have contributed to California’s history. This bill allows for maintenance of a monument to the veterans of the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait on the grounds of the State Capitol Building if specified design conditions are met and sufficient private funding is available. As noted in the Assembly Rules Committee analysis of this bill, “With the ongoing State Capitol Annex Project, the monument will need to be placed outside of the footprint of the new building and in a location that minimizes impact to the existing plant life.”
2. Related Legislation. AB 298 (Mathis) authorizes the construction and maintenance of a braille American flag in the State Capitol Building to serve as a monument to the blind veterans of California and the United States. AB 298 is pending hearing in this committee.

AB 1459 (Ramos) requires the reconstruction of the State Capitol Building Annex to incorporate in one of the main hearing rooms a mural honoring Native Americans in California. AB 1459 is pending hearing in this committee.

1. Prior Legislation. AB 1762 (Mathis), Chapter 205, Statutes of 2022, authorized the construction and maintenance of a monument to the Gold Star Families of California on the grounds of the State Capitol.

AB 338 (Ramos), Chapter 280, Statutes of 2021, repealed the requirement for a monument to Father Junipero Serra be on the State Capitol grounds and instead authorized the construction and maintenance of a monument to the California Native people of the Sacramento, California region.

Analysis Prepared by: Irene Ho / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: April 20, 2023

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON RULES

James Ramos, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1452 (

Author:Mathis) – As Amended Ver:March 30, 2023

SUBJECT: State Capitol: Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait Veterans Memorial monument

SUMMARY: Authorizes the construction and maintenance of a monument to the veterans of the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait on the grounds of the State Capitol. Specifically, this bill:

1. Requires the Department of General Services (DGS) in consultation with a nonprofit organization representing veterans of the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait, to be responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of a monument to veterans of those wars on the grounds of the State Capitol.
2. Requires the planning, construction, and maintenance of the monument to be funded exclusively through private funding.
3. Prohibits construction of the monument until the Joint Committee on Rules has approved and adopted the plan for the monument; and, the Joint Committee on Rules and the Department of Finance (DOF) have determined that sufficient private funding is available to construct and maintain the monument.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Requires DGS to oversee the buildings and grounds of the state, including the historic State Capitol and the State Capitol Building Annex.
2. Requires the Joint Committee on Rules to approve and adopt plans for memorials in the State Capitol Park and statues in the State Capitol Building Annex.
3. Defines “Capitol Park” as the area lying between 9th Street on the west, 15th Street on the east, N Street on the south, and L Street on the north.

FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose of the bill: In support of AB 1452, the author states:

As the first millennial combat veteran with a purple heart elected to state office, I am proud to author AB 1452 which would authorize a non-profit organization to plan, construct, and maintain a monument honoring the veterans of the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait. This bill is our acknowledgement to the over 37,000 service members and veterans who died during deployment or upon their return. It demonstrates that we honor their sacrifice, today and forever, and want them to feel included at our State Capitol. It is the least we can do because without our veterans, we’d have no Capitol, no California, and no United States.

1. Background on Capitol Park: Capitol Park is widely known as one of the most beautiful parks in the United States, with over 40,000 trees, shrubs, and flowers. Capitol Park stands as one of the finest collections of plant life in the country. Capitol Park is also significant for the many memorials present in the park, which recognize groups and individuals who have contributed to California’s history.
2. Location in Capitol Park: AB 1452 does not specify where the monument would be placed in Capitol Park. With the ongoing State Capitol Annex Project, the monument will need to be placed outside of the footprint of the new building and in a location that minimizes impact to the existing plant life. The location will require final approval from DGS and the Joint Committee on Rules.
3. Prior Legislation: AB 1762 (Chapter 205, Statutes of 2022) authorized the construction and maintenance of a monument to the Gold Star Families of California on the grounds of the State Capitol.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

None on file

Opposition

None on file

Analysis Prepared by: Michael Erke / RLS. / (916) 319-2800