A House committee on Wednesday gave key approval to legislation that could lead to the placement of a statue of the late Martin Luther King Jr. on Capitol grounds.

House Bill 1080, by Rep. Calvin Smyre, D-Columbus, was unanimously approved by the State Properties Committee. The bill, which includes House Majority Leader Larry O'Neal, R-Bonaire, as a co-sponsor, could reach the House floor Monday.

The bill would allow for the creation of the statue as long enough private funds are raised to pay for it.

About the Author

Keep Reading

In addition to being a political and religious leader, Bishop Reginald Jackson also served as chairman of the Board of Trustees of Morris Brown College. (Ben Gray/AJC)

Credit: Ben Gray

Featured

Atlanta art and antiques appraiser and auctioneer Allan Baitcher (right) takes bids during a 2020 auction. Baitcher and his company, Peachtree Antiques, are being sued by a Florida multimillionaire who says he paid them $20 million for fakes. (AJC 2020)

Credit: Phil Skinner / Staff