AN ACT authorizing the african american heritage commission to study the feasibility of establishing monuments COMMEMORATING events and persons relating to the civil rights movement in the state and appropriating funds to the african american heritage commission to place markers at sites along north carolina's civil rights trail.

Whereas, the civil rights movement mobilized citizens to push for equality and freedom; and

Whereas, the gains won during the civil rights movement helped secure rights for all Americans; and

Whereas, countless North Carolinians participated in protests, marches, rallies, and Freedom Rides across the State; and

Whereas, North Carolina served as the location of significant events that helped advance the civil rights movement, including the creation of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), the launch of the sit‑in movement, and the filing of desegregation lawsuits; and

Whereas, despite this history, there are currently no monuments commemorating our State's contribution to the civil rights movement; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  The African American Heritage Commission (hereinafter Commission) is authorized to study the feasibility of establishing monuments commemorating events relating to the civil rights movement in North Carolina and the State's citizens that contributed to the civil rights movement. In conducting its study, the Commission shall hold public hearings/meetings to get citizen input. By May 1, 2024, the Commission shall report its findings and any recommendations for legislation to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources.

SECTION 2.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, African American Heritage Commission, the sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) in nonrecurring funds for the 2023‑2024 fiscal year to aid the Commission in its current work of placing markers, signage, and other memorials to commemorate significant cultural or historical importance relating to North Carolina's Civil Rights Trail.

SECTION 3.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2023.