Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Act
- Bill Number
- S. 1304
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Arts, Culture, Religion
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-03: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-14T05:10:29Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation, titled the "Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Act," aims to authorize the establishment of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino at a site within the Reserve of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. It also seeks to ensure diverse representation in the museum's exhibits and programs while streamlining related administrative processes.
Key Provisions
- Site Authorization: Permits the museum to be built within the National Mall Reserve, overriding prior legal restrictions (e.g., under 40 U.S.C. § 8908(c), which generally limits new construction in this area to preserve its historic layout).
- Jurisdiction Transfer Process: Requires the Smithsonian's Board of Regents to notify any federal agency controlling a potential site. The agency head must then inform specified congressional committees and transfer administrative control of the land or structure to the Smithsonian as soon as practicable.
- Diversity in Exhibits and Programs: Mandates that the museum's Board of Trustees consult a wide range of experts and sources to reflect diverse political views, cultures, and experiences of Hispanic or Latino communities. This includes guidance for creating or significantly revising exhibits and programs, drawing from "knowledgeable and respected sources" (defined as individuals with recognized expertise in Latino history, education, or heritage).
- Reporting Requirements: The Smithsonian Secretary must submit reports to multiple congressional committees within 120 days of enactment and every two years thereafter, detailing compliance with diversity mandates, including updates on exhibit revisions and future planning.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends Section 201(g)(4) of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (20 U.S.C. § 80u(g)(4)) by removing language that previously barred the museum from the National Mall Reserve.
- Revises Section 201(g)(2) of the same Act to formalize a structured notification and transfer process for sites under other federal agencies' control, replacing less detailed prior requirements.
- Updates Section 201(d)(2)(D) to expand diversity obligations, emphasizing a "broad array" of viewpoints and authentic experiences, which goes beyond the original Act's general call for comprehensive representation.
- Applies these changes retroactively, as if they were part of the 2021 Act.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Facilitates inter-agency coordination for land transfers, potentially affecting entities like the National Park Service (which manages the Mall). It may accelerate museum development but requires prompt administrative actions.
- Citizens: Enhances public access to a dedicated space celebrating Latino heritage on the National Mall, promoting cultural education and inclusivity for the growing Hispanic or Latino population (over 60 million in the U.S.). Could foster greater national awareness of diverse Latino histories.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though the museum's focus on U.S. Latino communities (including immigrant stories) may indirectly strengthen cultural ties with Latin American countries by highlighting shared histories.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Smithsonian Institution: Gains flexibility in site selection and operational guidelines, enabling faster progress on the museum.
- Hispanic or Latino Communities: Benefit from mandated diverse representation, ensuring broader voices in storytelling and heritage preservation.
- Congressional Committees: Involved in oversight through notifications and reports, including Rules and Administration, Appropriations, Energy and Natural Resources (Senate), and House Administration, Natural Resources, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Appropriations (House).
- Federal Agencies with Land Jurisdiction: Must comply with transfer requirements, potentially disrupting minor administrative functions but supporting national cultural goals.
- Bipartisan Sponsors: Senators Padilla, Cruz, Cortez Masto, Moreno, Lujan, Gallego, and Klobuchar, representing cross-party support for Latino cultural recognition.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Overrides specific statutes on National Mall development to prioritize the museum, potentially setting a precedent for exceptions in federal land use laws. The retroactive effective date ensures seamless integration with prior authorizations without legal gaps.
- Constitutional: No direct challenges; aligns with Congress's authority over federal properties and cultural institutions under Article I. The diversity mandate promotes First Amendment values of free expression by encouraging balanced viewpoints in public education.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan collaboration on cultural equity, addressing calls for Latino representation amid demographic shifts. Could influence future Smithsonian expansions by emphasizing inclusivity, though reporting requirements add congressional accountability to prevent perceived biases in content.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (8)
Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX], Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV], Sen. Moreno, Bernie [R-OH], Sen. Lujan, Ben Ray [D-NM], Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY], Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-03: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
- 2025-04-03: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Act — issued 2025-04-03 — PDF (6 pages)