Bill > H3602

This bill creates a special legislative commission to investigate the feasibility of establishing a Massachusetts Caribbean American Cultural Center in Boston, recognizing the over 300-year history of Caribbean people in the state. The commission will be composed of 22 members, including six representatives from the state legislature (three from the House and three from the Senate), with a requirement that at least some members be of Caribbean descent or represent districts with significant Caribbean populations. Additional members will include one person appointed by the Boston Mayor, one by the Governor, and up to 15 other members from across Massachusetts. The commission will be tasked with studying various methods for creating the cultural center, such as potentially establishing a nonprofit organization to oversee its construction and management, and will evaluate associated costs. The members will elect two co-chairs from within their group, and all appointments must be made by June 30, 2026. The commission is required to submit its findings and any legislative recommendations to the state legislature's clerks by December 31, 2026, providing a comprehensive report on the potential establishment of this cultural center.