Bill > B26-0020

This bill establishes the Paul E. Sluby, Sr. Preservation Fund to support the identification, preservation, restoration, and protection of historic African American burial grounds in the District of Columbia. The fund will be administered by the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and can receive revenue from appropriated funds, gifts, grants, and donations. Qualified charitable organizations (defined as tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations focused on historical cemetery preservation) can apply for grants to support activities such as preserving and restoring burial grounds, identifying and interpreting these sites, repatriating human remains, and conducting related research. The bill specifically defines a "historic African American burial ground" as a cemetery established in DC before 1955 for African American burials and owned by a public body or qualified charitable organization. Grants for burial grounds on private property will only be considered with the property owner's consent. The fund's money cannot be used for purposes other than those specified, and any unspent funds will not revert to the general fund at the end of the fiscal year. The bill also makes a conforming amendment to existing legislation and will take effect after mayoral approval, congressional review, and publication in the District of Columbia Register.

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https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B26-0020