Bill · H.R. 1704· House(119-HR-1704)

RESTORE Act

Age: 54 years

California

Introduced: 2/27/2025
Last activity: 2/27/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Sponsored by: Sydney Kamlager-Dove
Cosponsors: - 13 - 0

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Introduced
In Committee

What this bill would do

This bill, known as the "RESTORE Act," proposes to amend title 54 of the United States Code to create the National Freedom Settlements Preservation Program within the National Park Service. The program aims to recognize, research, and preserve the history of Freedom Settlements, which include Black Towns and Freedom Colonies established by formerly enslaved people. The Secretary of the Interior would be authorized to conduct a study to identify key sites and maintain a comprehensive registry of these communities. Additionally, the bill allows for the awarding of grants to eligible entities for cultural preservation, research, and educational programming. The legislation seeks to honor the legacy of these communities while addressing historical economic and community underdevelopment.

Yes· 3 of 12

Would Black Americans be better off under this?+8
The bill is specifically designed to honor, research, and preserve the heritage of African-American Freedom Settlements.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?+7
The bill directly aims to address historical racial inequities by preserving and funding Black Towns and Freedom Settlements.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+4
Many Freedom Settlements are located in rural areas that stand to benefit from preservation and tourism development.