Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2410

Introduced
2/11/26  

Caption

A bill for an act providing for a capitol rotunda monument based on the painting "Declaration of Independence" by John Trumbull.

Impact

If enacted, HF2410 would facilitate the integration of significant historical artworks into public state spaces, potentially influencing future decisions about the types of monuments and public art installations within Iowa's government buildings. The proposed bill requires that specific criteria be met for the construction and funding of the monument, thereby ensuring that such projects are both economically feasible and beneficial for the community's cultural heritage. This could lead to increased public interest in state history and the arts.

Summary

House File 2410, introduced by Representative Wheeler, proposes the establishment of a monument within the capitol rotunda that is based on John Trumbull's famous painting, 'Declaration of Independence'. This initiative seeks to enhance the historical and artistic value of the Iowa State Capitol, serving as a tribute to the foundational elements of American democracy as symbolized in this renowned artwork. The bill mandates the Department of Administrative Services, in consultation with the capitol planning commission, to oversee the process of the monument's approval and placement, ensuring that the project adheres to specific guidelines.

Contention

While the bill appears to be aimed at celebrating American history and culture, discussions around similar initiatives often raise questions regarding the selection process and the appropriateness of monuments. Various stakeholders may express concern over which historical figures or events should be commemorated in public spaces. In Iowa's context, there could be debates on inclusivity and representation, as well as the funding sources for such projects. The outlined application process also implies that if multiple proposals are submitted, the best fit must be selected, which could lead to contention over aesthetic values and narrative choices.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA SF365

A bill for an act providing for a monument to Martin Treptow on the capitol complex grounds.

IA HF2689

A bill for an act relating to the two hundred fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 742; See HF 2762.)

IA HF2762

A bill for an act relating to the two hundred fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HF 2689, HSB 742.)

IA HSB742

A bill for an act relating to the two hundred fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 2689, HF 2762.)

IA HB533

Confederate flag; remove depictions of from the rotunda of the Mississippi State Capitol building.

IA SB2566

Confederate flag; direct removal of depiction from Capitol rotunda, and create commission to recommend replacement image.

IA SB2201

Confederate flag; direct removal of depiction from Capitol rotunda, and create commission to recommend replacement image.

IA HCR9

Declaration Of Independence Anniversary

IA HCR16

Providing for a joint session of the Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, July 2, 2026, in honor of the semiquincentennial of the Declaration of Independence.

IA HB526

Declaration of Energy Independence Act

Similar Bills

AZ HCM2014

Arizona national monuments

AZ HB2701

Arizona tribal flags; display

AZ SB1522

Arizona tribal flags; display.

TX HB3227

Relating to the removal, relocation, alteration, or construction of certain monuments or memorials located on public property; authorizing a civil penalty.

GA HB467

State flag, seal, and other symbols; protection of government statues and monuments; revise provisions

GA SB301

State Flag, Seal, and Other Symbols; protection of government statues, monuments, plaques, banners, and other commemorative symbols; revise provisions

GA SB175

Elections and Primaries; use of ranked-choice voting; prohibit

SC S0508

Monument and Memorial Protection