Bill Sponsors
LaMountain, Ciccone, Tikoian, Gallo, Felag, and McKenney
Committee
Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
Summary
Select
This legislation mandates that the Secretary of State commission a painted portrait for every current and former President of the Senate shortly after they are inducted into office. Once completed, these portraits are to be delivered to the Department of Administration to be displayed in or near the senate lounge. The bill authorizes the state controller to use funds from the state treasury that have not been otherwise appropriated to pay for the creation of these portraits.
Sponsor
Analysis
Pros for Progressives
- Provides financial support and professional opportunities to artists commissioned to paint the portraits, thereby supporting the local arts community.
- Preserves the historical record of state leadership, ensuring that the diversity and history of the Senate are documented for future generations.
- Enhances the aesthetic environment of public buildings, creating a more dignified space for civic engagement and public visitation.
Cons for Progressives
- Allocates public funds to honor politicians rather than directing those resources toward critical social safety nets or aid for the disadvantaged.
- Perpetuates a culture of elitism within the government by prioritizing the glorification of leadership over the immediate needs of the working class.
- Uses a vague funding source ("money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated") which could potentially divert surplus funds that could otherwise be used for community welfare programs.
Pros for Conservatives
- Upholds longstanding traditions and shows respect for the institution of the Senate and its leadership.
- Preserves the historical legacy of the state's governance, ensuring that the history of political leadership is maintained and honored.
- Promotes a sense of decorum and dignity within the state capitol, reinforcing the importance of established government structures.
Cons for Conservatives
- Represents frivolous government spending on self-aggrandizing projects for politicians instead of returning surplus funds to taxpayers.
- Increases the burden on the state treasury for non-essential items, disregarding the principles of fiscal responsibility and limited government.
- Expands the bureaucracy by mandating administrative involvement and spending without a specific cap on the costs of the portraits.
Constitutional Concerns
None Likely
Impact Overview
Groups Affected
- Senate Presidents
- Secretary of State
- Department of Administration
- Portrait Artists
- Taxpayers
Towns Affected
All
Cost to Taxpayers
Amount unknown
Revenue Generated
None
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Environmental Impact
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Bill Status
Current Status
Held
Comm Passed
Floor Passed
Law
History
• 01/16/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
Bill Text
SECTION 1. Chapter 37-8 of the General Laws entitled "Public Buildings" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
37-8-9.1. Senate president's portraits.
The secretary of state shall cause a portrait to be painted of each president of the senate as soon after the president of the senate is inducted into office, including former presidents of the senate. Whenever any portrait is finished, the secretary of state shall deliver the portrait to the department of administration to be hung in the senate lounge or thereabouts and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw the controller's order, upon the general treasurer for a sum sufficient to pay for any portrait out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated upon receipt of vouchers approved by the secretary of state.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
37-8-9.1. Senate president's portraits.
The secretary of state shall cause a portrait to be painted of each president of the senate as soon after the president of the senate is inducted into office, including former presidents of the senate. Whenever any portrait is finished, the secretary of state shall deliver the portrait to the department of administration to be hung in the senate lounge or thereabouts and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw the controller's order, upon the general treasurer for a sum sufficient to pay for any portrait out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated upon receipt of vouchers approved by the secretary of state.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.