summary
Introduced
04/10/2025
04/10/2025
In Committee
04/10/2025
04/10/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
119th Congress
Bill Summary
A BILL To establish a process for the Board on Geographic Names to review and revise offensive place names, to create an advisory committee to recommend offensive place names to be reviewed by the Board, and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a comprehensive process for reviewing and renaming offensive geographic place names in the United States. The legislation creates an Advisory Committee on Reconciliation in Place Names, composed of 17 diverse members including Native American representatives, civil rights experts, scholars, and public members, who will be responsible for soliciting and reviewing proposals to rename geographic features and federal land units with offensive names. An offensive place name is defined broadly as one that recognizes individuals with racially repugnant views, contains racial or sexual slurs, perpetuates stereotypes, or is otherwise derogatory. The committee will have up to five years to review and propose new names, with a process that includes public consultation and engagement with Indian Tribes, state and local governments, and land management agencies. The Board on Geographic Names will then be required to review these proposals within three years, with a presumption of acceptance unless there is a compelling reason to reject the proposal or it would violate federal law. The bill's underlying purpose is to promote reconciliation, honor cultural diversity, and advance dignity by removing place names that perpetuate prejudice or recognize historical figures who committed injustices against racial minorities.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (19)
Al Green (D)*,
Yassamin Ansari (D),
André Carson (D),
Dwight Evans (D),
Jared Huffman (D),
Sara Jacobs (D),
Pramila Jayapal (D),
Hank Johnson (D),
Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D),
Robin Kelly (D),
Zoe Lofgren (D),
LaMonica McIver (D),
Eleanor Holmes Norton (D),
Mike Quigley (D),
Melanie Stansbury (D),
Bennie Thompson (D),
Rashida Tlaib (D),
Bonnie Watson Coleman (D),
Nikema Williams (D),
Last Action
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. (on 04/10/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
Document Type | Source Location |
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State Bill Page | https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2843/all-info |
BillText | https://www.congress.gov/119/bills/hr2843/BILLS-119hr2843ih.pdf |
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