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Bill

Bill

B 26-0020

Historic African American Burial Grounds Preservation Fund Amendment Act of 2025

26th Council Period (2025-2026)

DC establishes dedicated preservation fund to protect, document, and maintain historic African American burial grounds threatened by neglect or development.

Public Hearing on B26-0020 View Public Hearing Record
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Bill Summary · B 26-0020

Legislative bill overview

Bill B 26-0020 establishes or amends a fund dedicated to preserving historic African American burial grounds in Washington, D.C. The bill allocates resources and creates mechanisms to identify, protect, and maintain these culturally significant sites that have historically been neglected or lost to development.

Why is this important

African American burial grounds represent irreplaceable historical and cultural heritage, yet many have been destroyed, built over, or abandoned without proper documentation or care. This legislation addresses a documented gap in preservation efforts and provides dedicated funding to prevent further loss of these sites and honor ancestral remains and community history.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source and amount: Questions about where appropriated money comes from, whether it's adequate, and competing budget priorities in the district
  • Implementation and oversight: Clarity needed on which agency manages the fund, how sites are identified/prioritized, and accountability measures for fund use
  • Land ownership and property rights: Potential conflicts with current property owners if burial grounds exist on private land, and legal frameworks for access or restrictions on development

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

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