The bill, titled the Historic Texas Freedmen's Cemetery Designation Act, establishes a program aimed at recognizing cemeteries that contain the graves of freed slaves. It introduces a new subchapter to Chapter 442 of the Government Code, which outlines the purpose, eligibility criteria, application process, and review procedures for designating cemeteries under this program. The Texas Historical Commission is tasked with implementing the program, which includes notifying property owners and cemetery organizations about applications for designation and providing a medallion to certified cemeteries.
Additionally, the bill allows the commission to charge an application fee of up to $25 for submissions under the program. It mandates that the commission develop an application form and post it on their website, as well as adopt necessary rules for the program's administration by June 1, 2026. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.
Statutes affected: Introduced: ()