Relating to establishing the Historic Texas Freedmen's Cemetery Designation Program; authorizing a fee.
SB 217 establishes the Historic Texas Freedmen’s Cemetery Designation Program through the Texas Historical Commission. It allows cemeteries containing at least one freed slave’s grave to apply for official recognition, requiring applicants to prove the cemetery’s existence and historical significance. The program includes a $25 application fee, and approved cemeteries may display a commemorative medallion. The designation aims to inform the public and adjacent landowners about the historical value of these sites.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Nov 2024
Committee Review
May 2025
Senate Passage
May 2025
House Passage
May 2025
Signed into Law
Jun 2025
Introduced Nov 12, 2024
Signed Jun 20, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons
What changed between versions
Engrossed
→
Enrolled
·
1 edit
·
Jun 20, 2025
MINOR
The bill text was reformatted from an 'Engrossed' version to an 'Enrolled' version, which is the final version signed by the Governor. The substantive policy content remains identical, with only formatting, spacing, and capitalization adjustments made to prepare it for official publication.
TECHNICAL
Formatting and spacing were adjusted throughout the document to convert it from a legislative draft format to the final enrolled format used for official state records.
Floor votes · House May 21, 2025
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
51
Key actions
15
Committee
10
Jun 20, 2025
Signed into law
Signed by the Governor
executive
May 26, 2025
Lower · Passed
Signed in the House
lower
May 26, 2025
Upper · Passed
Signed in the Senate
upper
May 23, 2025
Upper · Passed
House passage reported
upper
May 22, 2025
Lower · Passed
Passed
lower
May 21, 2025
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (140-0-3)
house
May 16, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee report sent to Calendars
lower
May 16, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee report distributed
lower
May 14, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported favorably w/o amendment(s)
lower
Apr 24, 2025
Committee
Referred to Culture, Recreation & Tourism
lower
Apr 24, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
lower
Apr 23, 2025
Introduced
Received from the Senate
lower
Apr 22, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed
upper
Apr 7, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee report printed and distributed
upper
Apr 7, 2025
Upper · Passed
Reported favorably w/o amendments
upper
Apr 2, 2025
Upper · Passed
Vote taken in committee
upper
Mar 10, 2025
Upper · Passed
Left pending in committee
upper
Mar 10, 2025
Upper · Passed
Testimony taken in committee
upper
Feb 3, 2025
Committee
Referred to Economic Development
upper
Feb 3, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
upper
4 primary · 1 co-sponsor
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Harold Dutton
DDemocratic
P
Lauren Simmons
DDemocratic
P
Penny Morales Shaw
DDemocratic
P
Royce West
DDemocratic
Co
Borris Miles
DDemocratic
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