Committee on House Administration, Natural Resources Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This bill, titled the "Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Act," primarily authorizes the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino to be located within the Reserve of the National Mall . This provision explicitly overrides existing legal restrictions, including section 8908(c) of title 40, United States Code, which previously prohibited new memorials or museums within this area. The legislation also amends the process for designating a museum site under the jurisdiction of another federal agency. It requires the Board of Regents to notify the head of the relevant federal agency or entity, who must then promptly inform specific congressional committees. Following this notification, the head of the federal agency is mandated to transfer administrative jurisdiction over the designated land or structure to the Smithsonian Institution as soon as practicable. Furthermore, the bill significantly modifies the requirements for the museum's exhibits and programs, emphasizing the need to ensure a diversity of political viewpoints and authentic experiences . The Board of Trustees must accurately and comprehensively represent the varied cultures, histories, events, and values of Hispanic or Latino communities. This includes seeking guidance from a broad array of knowledgeable and respected sources , reflecting diverse viewpoints, political ideologies, cultures, and lived experiences for both the creation and substantial revision of exhibits. Finally, the Act requires the Secretary of the Smithsonian to submit regular reports to various congressional committees. These reports, due every two years, will detail actions taken by the museum's Director and Board of Trustees to comply with the new requirements regarding content diversity and authenticity in exhibits and programs. The amendments made by this Act are effective as if they were part of the original Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.
Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Act
USA119th CongressHR-1330| House
| Updated: 2/13/2025
This bill, titled the "Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Act," primarily authorizes the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino to be located within the Reserve of the National Mall . This provision explicitly overrides existing legal restrictions, including section 8908(c) of title 40, United States Code, which previously prohibited new memorials or museums within this area. The legislation also amends the process for designating a museum site under the jurisdiction of another federal agency. It requires the Board of Regents to notify the head of the relevant federal agency or entity, who must then promptly inform specific congressional committees. Following this notification, the head of the federal agency is mandated to transfer administrative jurisdiction over the designated land or structure to the Smithsonian Institution as soon as practicable. Furthermore, the bill significantly modifies the requirements for the museum's exhibits and programs, emphasizing the need to ensure a diversity of political viewpoints and authentic experiences . The Board of Trustees must accurately and comprehensively represent the varied cultures, histories, events, and values of Hispanic or Latino communities. This includes seeking guidance from a broad array of knowledgeable and respected sources , reflecting diverse viewpoints, political ideologies, cultures, and lived experiences for both the creation and substantial revision of exhibits. Finally, the Act requires the Secretary of the Smithsonian to submit regular reports to various congressional committees. These reports, due every two years, will detail actions taken by the museum's Director and Board of Trustees to comply with the new requirements regarding content diversity and authenticity in exhibits and programs. The amendments made by this Act are effective as if they were part of the original Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.
Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.