S.B. No. 217 establishes the Historic Texas Freedmen's Cemetery Designation Program, which aims to recognize cemeteries containing the graves of freed slaves. The bill amends Chapter 442 of the Government Code by adding Subchapter H, which outlines the program's purpose, eligibility criteria, application process, and the commission's responsibilities. To qualify for designation, a cemetery must contain at least one grave of a freed slave and meet additional requirements set by the commission. The program is designed to inform the public and adjacent landowners about the cemetery's significance.

The commission will develop an application form and may charge a fee of up to $25 for submissions. Upon approval of an application, cemeteries may receive a medallion to signify their designation. The commission is also tasked with notifying relevant parties about applications and establishing rules for the program's implementation. The Texas Historical Commission is required to adopt these rules by June 1, 2026, and the act will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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