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

Ja'Quon Stembridge — pictured speaking at the monthly Henry County Republican Party meeting in July — was elected over the summer as the assistant secretary of the Georgia GOP. (Jenni Girtman for the AJC 2025)

Credit: Jenni Girtman

Featured

More metro Atlanta sellers are deciding to take their homes off the market, according to a new report. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC