§149.64. Reverend Dr. T.J. Jemison Memorial Statue, Baton Rouge

            A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, and particularly any contrary provision of R.S. 49:149.62, the allocation and use of space within the A.Z. Young Park grounds shall be as provided in this Section. The provisions of this Section shall apply to a portion of ground situated in the city of Baton Rouge, having the municipal address of 755 North Third Street, and bounded by the LaSalle Building, North Third Street, the Pentagon Barracks, and the Capitol Park Welcome Center.

            B. Except as otherwise provided in this Section, there shall be placed upon the A.Z. Young Park grounds, in a prominent place, a memorial statue of the Reverend Dr. T.J. Jemison, subject to the availability of private funds for its planning, construction, and maintenance.

            C.(1) In recognition of Reverend Dr. T.J. Jemison, the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism shall choose a prominent place within A.Z. Young Park to display the memorial statue of Reverend Dr. T.J. Jemison. The design, content, and location of the statue shall be subject to the approval of the Reverend Dr. T.J. Jemison Memorial Commission. In addition, any dedication of funds for the memorial statue shall be placed in an account for such purpose in accordance with the guidelines managed by the Baton Rouge Area Foundation. The funds shall be used for funding the design, content, construction, and maintenance of a Reverend Dr. T.J. Jemison statue on the grounds of the A.Z. Young Park in Baton Rouge and for future initiatives relative to Reverend Jemison's legacy.

            (2) The funds collected shall be deposited into the Reverend Dr. T.J. Jemison Memorial Statue account and managed by the Baton Rouge Area Foundation for the purposes as outlined in Paragraph (1) of this Subsection.

            D.(1) There is hereby created the Reverend Dr. T.J. Jemison Memorial Commission within the legislative branch of state government. The commission shall consist of the following members:

            (a) The living descendants of the first degree of Reverend Dr. T.J. Jemison, or their designees.

            (b) One child of a descendant of the first degree of Reverend Dr. T.J. Jemison, or his designee.

            (c) Two persons who shall be ministers selected by the living descendants of the first degree of Reverend Dr. T.J. Jemison.

            (d) The member of the House of Representatives from District 67.

            (e) The member of the Senate from District 14.

            (2) The first meeting of the commission shall occur during the month of February of 2016 and shall be called and presided over by the member of the Senate. At such meeting the commission shall select its chairman, vice chairman, and any other officers it deems necessary. The commission shall meet as necessary thereafter to carry out its duties. Members of the commission shall serve without compensation, except that legislative members shall receive such compensation and reimbursement as is allowed by the rules of each member's respective house of the legislature.

            (3) The duties of the commission shall include:

            (a) Making recommendations regarding and approving the design and content of the memorial statue in accordance with state law.

            (b) Making recommendations regarding and approving the location of the memorial statue.

            (4) The provisions of this Subsection shall expire on February 15, 2026, and the commission shall be abolished on such date.

            Acts 2015, No. 154, §1.