ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Phoenix, Arizona
school names;
medal of honor
Requires the School Facilities Board (SFB) to name new school buildings after Congressional Medal of Honor recipients of Arizona.
The Medal of Honor is awarded by the President in the name of Congress: “to a person who, while a member of the military, distinguishes himself or herself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States…” (Chapter 3-6, Army Regulation 600-8-22).
The Medal of Honor was proposed in 1861 during the Civil War, and was established by law as a permanent medal in 1863. Since that time, 3,456 medals have been awarded. At least 24 of those recipients have resided, or currently reside in Arizona, based on the number of individuals who enlisted from Arizona and residency data, according to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and the Department of Veterans’ Services. There is no information available on the total number of recipients who previously resided in Arizona but may have enlisted in another state.
Currently, school district governing boards are responsible for naming newly developed schools. The school district governing boards generally select names through processes that are community or student driven. S.B. 1121 requires the SFB to name all future schools after Medal of Honor recipients representing Arizona until all recipient names have been selected when new school buildings are funded by SFB monies.
There is no discernible fiscal impact to the state general fund associated with this bill.
1. Requires the SFB to name each new school building after a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient who currently resides or has resided in Arizona until all recipient names have been selected. Applies to new school buildings that are financed in whole or in part by SFB monies.
2. Makes a technical change to blend multiple enactments relating to the powers and duties of the SFB.
3. Provides for a general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Staff
March 12, 2002