1. Plan. The commission, with the assistance of the Executive Director of the Legislative Council, shall develop and commend a plan for the preservation and development of the aesthetic and historical integrity of the State House and the grounds specified in section 902?A, subsection 2. By April 1, 1990, the commission shall submit an interim report indicating its progress on the plan to the Legislative Council and the Governor. Upon receipt of the commission’s completed plan, the Legislative Council may submit the plan to the Legislature for adoption and enactment as the official state plan for the preservation and development of the aesthetic and historical integrity of the State House. From time to time the commission may submit additional amendments for inclusion in the plan which may be submitted to the Legislative Council for adoption and enactment by the Legislature.

1-A. Living memorial garden. The commission shall arrange for and oversee the development and maintenance of a living memorial garden in Capitol Park, the design of which must be consistent with the plan for the garden and double rows of trees developed for the commission in 2002 by Pressley Associates, Inc. Development of the living memorial garden is subject to available funding. The commission may seek and accept funds from private and public sources, including the Percent for Art Program, for the development and maintenance of the garden.

1-B. Edible landscaping. The commission shall arrange for and oversee the development and implementation of a plan to incorporate food-producing plants, shrubs or trees into the landscaping of a portion of Capitol Park. Use of edible landscaping must be consistent with the overall plan for the park under section 902?A, subsection 2 and is subject to available funding for the park.

1-C. Gold star family memorial. Notwithstanding section 902?A, subsection 2, paragraph B, the commission may arrange for and oversee the development and installation of a monument honoring gold star families.

1-D. Monument to victims of and first responders to COVID-19 pandemic. Notwithstanding section 902?A, subsection 2, paragraph B, the commission may arrange for and oversee the development and installation of a monument on the exterior grounds of the State House honoring the victims of and first responders to the pandemic related to coronavirus disease 2019, known as COVID-19.

2. Research; publication. The commission shall conduct research into the history of the State House, the results of which will guide the commission and the Legislative Council in the preservation and development of the building’s aesthetic and historical integrity. The commission shall publish and distribute this research to enhance public understanding and appreciation of the State House.

3. Contracts. The commission may make recommendations to the Legislative Council to enter into contracts with individuals or organizations and institutions for services to further the objectives of this chapter, including architectural, aesthetic and decorative additions or changes, in conformance with the plan adopted by the Legislative Council.

4. Research; publication.