The Senate of West Virginia offers a bill to replace the statue of Robert K. Bird with four historical figures – Lootpress

Charleston, WV (Lootpress) – A recently offered bill in the Senate of West Virginia seeks to replace the statue of Robert K. Bird In Capitol Rotonda with four statues in honor George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, James Madison and Arthur I. Boreman.

Senate Bill 294Introduced to the legislative session in 2025, aims to change West Virginia Code (1931, amended) by adding Section §5a-4-7Which necessitates the replacement of the statue and outlines funding for the project.

Proposed changes

If accepted, the bill would direct Ministry of Administration To monitor the removal of the BYRD statue and install statues of the four historical figures, each of which is placed in a separate angle of the Capitol Rotonda. Thehe General Services would be responsible for financing the project using resources from Fund for the renovation and improvement of capitol.

Historical importance

The bill stresses George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and James Madison For its founding roles in American history, while Arthur I. Borman has been recognized as Western Virginia First Governor, It served from 1863 to 1869 during the formation of the state.

Legislative

The proposed replacement of a statue reflects on current discussions on historical representation in public spaces. Proponents say the change aligns the images of Capitol with a broader American and state history, while opponents can quote Bird’s long term and impact on West Virginia.

The Senate Bill 294 will now move to the committee discussions before potentially consideration from the full senate.