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B 26-0302

African American Civil War Museum Limited Grant-Making Authority Temporary Amendment Act of 2025

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Brianne Nadeau

Temporary grant-making authority for the African American Civil War Museum to fund external partners' education, programs, and preservation, with limits and a sunset.

Transmitted to Congress
0
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Bill Summary · B 26-0302

Summary — B 26‑0302

Title: African American Civil War Museum Limited Grant‑Making Authority Temporary Amendment Act of 2025
Sponsor: Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau (primary)
Introduced: June 30, 2025
Status: Enacted by the Council and signed by the Mayor (Act A26‑0160); transmitted to Congress October 28, 2025 for federal review

Purpose and intent

The bill temporarily amends District law to allow the African American Civil War Museum (AACWM) a limited authority to make grants. The stated intent is to enable the museum to support external programs and partners — such as community organizations, educational programs, scholars, or preservation projects — in furtherance of its mission to interpret and preserve the history of African American participation in the Civil War.

Key provisions (summary based on title and legislative history)

The bill’s title indicates these principal components (readers should consult the enacted Act A26‑0160 for exact statutory language):

  • Grants authority: Temporarily authorizes the AACWM to award grants to external entities for activities aligned with the museum’s mission (education, public programming, collections preservation, research, outreach).
  • Time‑limited/temporary amendment: The change is not permanent; the authorization includes a sunset or otherwise limited duration (exact timeframe is specified in the enacted act).
  • Limits and oversight: The grant‑making authority is described as “limited,” implying statutory caps or programmatic limitations and applicable oversight (e.g., reporting, compliance with District procurement or fiscal rules). The precise dollar limits, eligibility criteria, and reporting requirements are contained in the final act.
  • Implementation mechanics: Likely assigns administrative responsibilities (museum director, fund source, recordkeeping) and may require coordination with relevant District offices (e.g., Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Grants Management).

Who is affected

  • African American Civil War Museum: gains new, temporary authority to fund external projects.
  • Potential grant recipients: community groups, educational institutions, researchers, preservationists, and program partners.
  • District government: oversight functions (fiscal review, reporting) and possible budgetary implications if District funds are used or administered through the museum.
  • Public/visitors: may benefit from expanded programming, educational opportunities, and preservation activities financed through grants.

Procedural timeline / status

  • Introduced: June 30, 2025
  • First reading / retained by Council: July 1, 2025
  • Notice published in D.C. Register: July 11, 2025
  • Final Council reading and approval: October 7, 2025
  • Transmitted to Mayor (response due Oct 29, 2025): Oct 15, 2025
  • Mayor returned and signed; enacted as Act A26‑0160: October 23, 2025
  • Transmitted to U.S. Congress for review: October 28, 2025

Impact and considerations

  • Short‑term expansion of the AACWM’s programmatic tools to support partners and projects.
  • Budgetary impact depends on whether the museum uses existing operational funds, new District appropriations, or private funds to make grants.
  • The temporary nature allows policymakers to assess effectiveness before deciding on a permanent statutory change.

For precise legal text, eligibility criteria, dollar limits, reporting requirements, and the sunset date, see the enacted Act A26‑0160 or the official bill text on the D.C. Council website.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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