OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore, and Sen. Kelley Hines, R-Oklahoma City celebrated the signing of House Bill 4486, which authorizes the placement of a Gold Star Family Monument on the State Capitol grounds.

Gov. Kevin Stitt signed the measure into law Wednesday. 

"Gold Star families carry with them a sacrifice that deserves our deepest respect and lasting remembrance," Townley said. "This monument will give Oklahomans a permanent place at our State Capitol to honor the service members who gave their lives for our country and the families who continue to carry their legacy. Generations from now, I hope it serves as a reminder of the tremendous cost of the freedoms we enjoy and of the Oklahoma families who have borne that cost. I’m grateful to Senator Hines for his partnership in bringing this legislation forward and to Governor Stitt for signing it into law." 

HB4486 authorizes the State Capitol Preservation Commission or its designee to work with private entities to design, construct and place the Gold Star Family Monument on the Capitol grounds. The monument is to be located in the northwest corner behind the State Capitol Arch and will be constructed at no expense to the State of Oklahoma. 

"Gold Star families have paid the ultimate price for our freedom," Hines said. "This monument will serve as a public reminder of the sacrifices made by our brave military men and women and, importantly, their loved ones who somehow find the strength to carry on even in the face of unimaginable grief. It was an honor to work with Representative Townley and Gold Star families on this legislation." 

The measure took effect immediately upon the governor’s signature.