Ralph David Abernathy, Sr., National Historic Site Act | ChamberLight

REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS

Senate BillS 2102Historic sites and heritage areasRacial and ethnic relations

Ralph David Abernathy, Sr., National Historic Site Act

INTRO JUN 17· LAST ACTION MAR 4

READING

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COSPONSORS

READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL

NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST

Reported, not passed

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

STEP 3 / 8

Introduced

In Committee

Reported

Passed Senate

Passed House

Conference

To President

Became Law

WHAT THE BILL DOES

AI-written

This bill matters because it would create a lasting tribute to Ralph David Abernathy, Sr., a pivotal figure in the American Civil Rights Movement, ensuring that his contributions and the places central to his work are permanently preserved. By establishing a National Historic Site, it elevates the recognition of a specific location, the West Hunter Street Baptist Church, and Abernathy's story to national importance, making it a destination for education and remembrance.

If this bill becomes law, it means future generations will have a dedicated space, managed by the National Park Service, to learn about a critical period in U.S. history and the people who shaped it. If it doesn't pass, the preservation and interpretation of these historical elements might rely solely on local efforts, potentially lacking the robust resources and national recognition that a National Historic Site designation provides, which could impact its long-term upkeep and public access.

KEY PROVISIONS

4AI-extracted

PROVISION 01

Establishes the Ralph David Abernathy, Sr., National Historic Site in Georgia as a unit of the National Park System.

This officially designates a new federal site dedicated to preserving a significant piece of civil rights history.

PROVISION 02

Directs the Secretary of the Interior to acquire land and interests in land for the site through donation, purchase from willing sellers, or exchange.

This outlines the specific methods by which the federal government can establish the physical boundaries of the historic site.

PROVISION 03

Requires the Secretary to determine that sufficient land has been acquired to make a manageable unit before the site is officially established, with a notice published in the Federal Register within 30 days of that determination.

This ensures the site is ready for effective management and public access before its official opening, and provides public notification of its establishment.

PROVISION 04

Mandates the Secretary to complete a management plan for the Historic Site within three years after funds are first made available.

This ensures there will be a clear strategy for how the site will be preserved, protected, and interpreted for visitors.

SPONSORSHIP

1 + 1

COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%

DEM 1 REP 0 IND 0

ACTION TIMELINE

3 EVENTS

MAR 4

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.

COMMITTEE

JUN 17

Introduced in Senate

INTROREFERRAL

JUN 17

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

INTROREFERRAL

BILL INFO

TypeSenate Bill

NumberS 2102

Congress119th

StatusReported

IntroducedJun 17, 2025

Last actionMar 4, 2026

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REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS · ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JUN 17, 2025

Senate BillS 2102Historic sites and heritage areasRacial and ethnic relations

Ralph David Abernathy, Sr., National Historic Site Act

INTRODUCED JUN 17, 2025· LAST ACTION MAR 4, 2026

PASSAGE CHANCES

—%

READING

—

COSPONSORS

COMPLEXITY

Moderate

Call my reps

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

STEP 3 OF 8

Introduced

In Committee

Reported

Passed Senate

Passed House

Conference

To President

Became Law

Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law

WHAT THE BILL DOES

AI-written

KEY PROVISIONS

AI-extracted

high

Establishes the Ralph David Abernathy, Sr., National Historic Site in Georgia as a unit of the National Park System.

This officially designates a new federal site dedicated to preserving a significant piece of civil rights history.

med

Directs the Secretary of the Interior to acquire land and interests in land for the site through donation, purchase from willing sellers, or exchange.

This outlines the specific methods by which the federal government can establish the physical boundaries of the historic site.

med

This ensures the site is ready for effective management and public access before its official opening, and provides public notification of its establishment.

high

Mandates the Secretary to complete a management plan for the Historic Site within three years after funds are first made available.

This ensures there will be a clear strategy for how the site will be preserved, protected, and interpreted for visitors.

DEADLINES & DATES

AI-extracted

An AI model extracted this from the bill’s official record and can make mistakes. Check the official text ↗ (opens in new tab)

Not later than 30 days after the Secretary determines sufficient land has been acquired

Secretary must publish notice of the Historic Site's establishment in the Federal Register.

Not later than 3 years after funds are first made available to carry out this Act

Secretary must complete a management plan for the Historic Site.

GLOSSARY

AI-written

National Historic Site: A protected area established by the U.S. government to preserve historical places and objects related to a significant person, event, or period in American history, managed by the National Park Service.
National Park System: The collection of all protected areas in the United States managed by the National Park Service, including national parks, monuments, historical sites, and other designations.
Secretary of the Interior: The head of the U.S. Department of the Interior, responsible for managing federal land, natural resources, and overseeing programs related to Native Americans, parks, and wildlife.
Federal Register: The official daily publication of the U.S. government that announces proposed and final rules, public notices, and other official documents issued by federal agencies.
Management Plan: A detailed document that outlines how a national park unit or historic site will be preserved, developed, and operated, including visitor services, resource protection, and facilities.
Cooperative Agreements: Legal agreements between federal agencies and other organizations (like states or non-profits) to work together on projects, share resources, or provide services.

ACTION TIMELINE

3 EVENTS

MAR 4

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.

COMMITTEE

JUN 17, 25

Introduced in Senate

INTROREFERRAL

JUN 17, 25

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

INTROREFERRAL

READER REACTIONS

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Energy and Natural Resources CommitteeReferred

Mar 4, 2026

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Ralph David Abernathy, Sr., National Historic Site Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

SPONSORSHIP

ACTION TIMELINE

BILL INFO

READER REACTIONS

Discussion

Ralph David Abernathy, Sr., National Historic Site Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

DEADLINES & DATES

GLOSSARY

ACTION TIMELINE

SPONSORS

READER REACTIONS

What do you think?

Discussion

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