HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 374        FILED ON: 1/8/2025

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Christopher J. Worrell

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act creating a commission establishing a Massachusetts Caribbean American Cultural Center.

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PETITION OF:

HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 374        FILED ON: 1/8/2025

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

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An Act creating a commission establishing a Massachusetts Caribbean American Cultural Center.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1. (a) There shall be a special legislative commission established pursuant to section 2A of chapter 4 of the General Laws to investigate and study the feasibility of establishing a statewide Massachusetts Caribbean American Cultural Center in the City of Boston.

(b) The commission shall investigate and study various methods for establishing a Massachusetts Caribbean American Cultural Center in the City of Boston, including, but not limited to, the creation of a nonprofit organization to oversee the construction and management of the Massachusetts Caribbean American Cultural Center. The commission shall consider the representation of the over 300-year history of Caribbeans in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and shall evaluate the costs associated with each method.

SECTION 2. (a) The commission shall be composed of the following members:

(1) three members of the House of Representatives, three of whom shall be of Caribbean descent or represent a district with a significant population of Caribbean people, two of whom shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and one of whom shall be appointed by the House Minority Leader;

(2) three members of the Senate, three of whom shall be of Caribbean descent or represent a district with a significant population of Caribbean people, two of whom shall be appointed by the Senate President, and one of whom shall be appointed by the Senate Minority Leader;

(3) one person to be appointed by the Mayor of the City of Boston;

(4) one person to be appointed by the Governor; and

(5) not more than fifteen additional members from across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, whose appointments shall be considered and approved by three members of the House of Representatives and three members of the Senate. The commission shall elect two co-chairs from among its members.

(b) All appointments to the commission shall be made no later than June 30, 2026.

SECTION 3. The commission shall submit its findings, including any recommendations for legislation, to the clerks of the House of Representatives and the Senate no later than December 31, 2026.