Commission to Study African American Civil War Sailors in Maryland

SB 13 establishes a commission to study the history of African American sailors who served in the Union Navy during the Civil War in Maryland. The commission, appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders, will research their service records, honors, and contributions, then recommend details for a memorial. It must report findings and recommendations to the Governor and legislature by December 1, 2025, after which the bill expires on June 30, 2026. This bill directly affects Maryland's historical preservation efforts and the planning of a potential memorial honoring these sailors.