Ralph David Abernathy, Sr. National Historic Site Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2967
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-17: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-10T06:59:58Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This bill aims to establish the Ralph David Abernathy, Sr. National Historic Site in Georgia as a unit of the National Park System. The site focuses on preserving and interpreting the West Hunter Street Baptist Church, where Reverend Dr. Ralph David Abernathy, Sr. served as pastor during the peak of the modern civil rights movement, and highlighting his role as a key civil rights leader.
Key Provisions
- Definitions: Specifies terms like "Map" (a boundary map numbered P99/184,019, dated August 2022), "Historic Site" (the new park unit), "Secretary" (Secretary of the Interior), and "State" (Georgia).
- Establishment: Creates the site to protect and educate about the church and Abernathy's legacy, but only after the Secretary confirms enough land has been acquired to make it manageable. A Federal Register notice must follow within 30 days.
- Boundary and Map: The site's boundaries follow the proposed outline on the specified map, which will be available for public review at National Park Service offices.
- Land Acquisition: The Secretary can obtain land or property interests inside the boundaries through donation, purchase from willing sellers (using donated or federal funds), or exchange. State or local government-owned land can only be acquired via donation.
- Administration: The Secretary manages the site under general National Park System laws, including rules on preservation, public use, and resource protection (e.g., sections of Title 54 of the U.S. Code covering park operations and donations).
- Management Plan: The Secretary must develop a detailed plan for the site's operations within three years of initial funding.
- Cooperative Agreements: Allows partnerships with Georgia or other groups to support education, signage, exhibits, parking, technology, tours, and resource preservation, either inside or outside the boundaries.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Adds a new unit to the National Park System, expanding federal protection for civil rights-related historical sites without altering broader park laws.
- Introduces specific acquisition limits (e.g., no eminent domain for state land) and conditional establishment based on land availability, which is not a standard feature in all park creation bills.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The National Park Service (under the Department of the Interior) will gain a new site to manage, requiring funding for acquisition, planning, and operations; this could strain resources unless funded separately.
- Citizens: Enhances public access to civil rights history through education, tours, and preservation, benefiting visitors, educators, and communities interested in African American heritage; no direct costs or burdens on individuals.
- International Relations: Minimal impact, though the site may indirectly promote U.S. civil rights history to global audiences via tourism or educational outreach.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- National Park Service and Department of the Interior: Responsible for establishment, management, and funding.
- State of Georgia and Local Governments: Potential donors of land; partners in cooperative agreements for support services.
- Civil Rights Organizations and Descendants: Beneficiaries of preserved legacy, with opportunities for involvement in interpretation.
- Local Communities and Visitors: Gain educational and recreational resources; tourism could boost the local economy around Atlanta.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on existing National Park System authority (Title 54, U.S. Code) for administration, ensuring compliance with federal preservation standards; the donation-only rule for state land respects property rights and avoids takings issues under the Fifth Amendment.
- Constitutional: No apparent conflicts, as it involves voluntary land acquisition and public education, aligning with Congress's power to manage federal lands and promote historical sites.
- Political: Commemorates a prominent civil rights figure, potentially fostering bipartisan support for historical preservation; may highlight ongoing efforts to recognize underrepresented histories in the National Park System, though implementation depends on future appropriations.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Scott, Austin [R-GA-8]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-17: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-04-17: Introduced in House
- 2025-04-17: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Ralph David Abernathy, Sr. National Historic Site Act — issued 2025-04-17 — PDF (5 pages)