Bill

H 3390

An Act adding an indigenous member to the Massachusetts Historical Commission

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michelle Badger and 2 co-sponsors

Bill H 3390 adds an Indigenous member to the Massachusetts Historical Commission, enhancing representation and ensuring Indigenous perspectives in historical preservation.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means

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Bill Summary · H 3390

Summary of Bill H 3390: An Act Adding an Indigenous Member to the Massachusetts Historical Commission

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 3390 aims to enhance the representation of Indigenous peoples within the Massachusetts Historical Commission by adding an Indigenous member to the commission. This initiative seeks to acknowledge and incorporate the perspectives and contributions of Indigenous communities in the preservation and interpretation of Massachusetts' historical and cultural heritage.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following amendments to the existing laws governing the Massachusetts Historical Commission:

Increase in Membership:
- The total number of members on the Massachusetts Historical Commission will increase from 11 to 12 members.
Indigenous Representation:
- The new member will be selected from a list of two nominees, each submitted by one of the two federally recognized tribes in Massachusetts. This provision ensures that Indigenous voices are directly involved in the decision-making processes related to historical preservation.

Affected Parties

Indigenous Communities: The bill specifically impacts the two federally recognized tribes in Massachusetts, allowing them to have a direct representative on the commission.
Massachusetts Historical Commission: The commission will benefit from the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives, which may influence its policies and initiatives regarding historical preservation and cultural heritage.

Procedural Aspects

Introduced: The bill was introduced on February 27, 2025.
Hearing Schedule: A hearing for the bill has been rescheduled multiple times, with the latest scheduled for October 29, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 1:10 PM. This hearing will take place in Room A-2 and will also be available virtually.
Committee Referral: The bill has been referred to the State Administration and Regulatory Oversight committee, where it will be reviewed and discussed before any further legislative action.

Related Legislation

The bill is associated with House Docket No. 2619, which it replaces.

This legislation represents a significant step towards inclusivity and recognition of Indigenous peoples in the historical narrative of Massachusetts, aiming to ensure that their contributions and perspectives are acknowledged in the state's historical preservation efforts.

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