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H 4840

An Act to study the development of an underground railroad, civil rights and black heritage museum and cultural center in Springfield

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bud Williams

Creates a task force to study Springfield Railroad, Civil Rights, and Black Heritage Museum, evaluating location, partners, costs, governance, with a 2027 report deadline.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently
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Bill Summary · H 4840

Summary of Massachusetts House Bill H.4840

Title and Purpose

  • Bill: House No. 4840 (H.4840)
  • Official Title: An Act to study the development of an underground railroad, civil rights and black heritage museum and cultural center in Springfield
  • Purpose: To establish a temporary, special legislative commission (task force) to study and guide the potential creation of an underground railroad, civil rights, and Black heritage museum and cultural center in Springfield. The bill frames the project as both a cathartic cultural initiative and a regional tourism/economic development opportunity.

Key Provisions

  • Establishment of a Task Force: Creates a special legislative commission known as the Underground Railroad, Civil Rights and Black Heritage Museum and Cultural Center Task Force, authorized under section 2A of Chapter 4 of the General Laws.
  • Scope of Study: The task force shall study:
    • The history of slavery, the Underground Railroad, and civil rights struggles in western Massachusetts.
    • Recommendations on:
    • The preferred location for the center (with a focus on sites in Springfield).
    • Potential partner institutions and key stakeholders for operation or partnership.
    • Estimated costs, timeline for construction/operations, and funding mechanisms.
    • Criteria, requirements, and financial responsibilities of an entity to operate/maintain the center.
  • Membership: The task force shall include:
    • Co-chairs: The chairs of the Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion.
    • Appointments by: Speaker of the House, President of the Senate, House and Senate minority leaders, Governor.
    • Representatives from: Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, Springfield city government, Museum of African American History (Boston/Nantucket), Massachusetts Cultural Council, and the chair of the Black Advisory Commission (Executive Order 575) or a designee.
  • Operational Provisions:
    • The task force may seek assistance from design and consulting firms regarding building, operation, and placement of the center, subject to appropriation.
    • The chairs have authority over scheduling and directing the task force; all members have voting rights; simple majority required for actions.
    • Subgroups may be created; guests may be invited to meetings as speakers.
  • Reporting Timeline: The task force must file a report with findings and recommendations with the clerks of the House and Senate no later than July 31, 2027.

Affected Parties

  • Massachusetts Legislature (special legislative commission).
  • City of Springfield and regional stakeholders (potential site and partners identified through the study).
  • Cultural and public history institutions (e.g., Museum of African American History, Massachusetts Cultural Council, local tourism partners).
  • General public and tourism sector in Western Massachusetts (potential tourism/conference benefits).

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: December 24, 2025.
  • Status: Reported favorably by the Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development; referred to the Committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently.
  • Reporting Deadline: July 31, 2027 for the task force to submit its report and recommendations.
  • Authority for Establishment: Established under section 2A of Chapter 4 of the General Laws.
  • Limitations: Student-level or project-specific funding would depend on future appropriations; the act contemplates consultation with design/consulting firms if appropriations are made.

Notes

  • The bill emphasizes both cathartic value and economic/tourism potential for Springfield and western Massachusetts.
  • It does not itself authorize construction or funding but sets up a framework to study feasibility, governance, location, and operations for a future museum and cultural center.

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

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