Identification of formerly enslaved African American burial sites.
Introduced
Moved
Reached a final decision
Introduced Jan 29, 2026
Derived from the official record below.
Officially: “A Local Law to amend the New York city charter, in relation to the identification of formerly enslaved African American burial sites” Read the full text
Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Relations
What it does
This bill would require the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) to maintain a list of all known burial sites of formerly enslaved African Americans citywide. This bill would also require DCLA to develop and implement a plan to locate any currently unmarked burial sites for formerly enslaved African Americans citywide, in consultation with other city agencies, organizations and experts. This bill would also require DCLA to notify elected officials when a burial site has been located in their district. Finally, this bill would require DCLA to develop an educational campaign to inform City residents about the burial sites and develop and maintain an interactive map of the burial sites on the DCLA website.
Summary written by City Council staff, from the official record. Plain-language AI rewrite with cited sections coming. Not legal advice.
Where it is
Introduced by Council · Jan 29, 2026
Referred to Comm by Council · Jan 29, 2026
Hearing Held by Committee · May 13, 2026
Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Relations
Laid Over by Committee · May 13, 2026
Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Relations
Who decides next
This bill sits with the Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Relations committee. These members decide whether it ever reaches a vote; 99% of bills a committee approves become law.
Nantasha M. Williams · chairAlthea V. StevensChi A. OsséCrystal HudsonFarah N. LouisSandra UngVirginia Maloney
Official documents
Summary of Int. No. 220
officialInt. No. 220
officialJanuary 29, 2026 - Stated Meeting Agenda
officialHearing Transcript - Stated Meeting 1-29-26
officialMemorandum in Support
officialFiscal Impact Statement- City Council
officialCommittee Report 5/13/26
officialHearing Testimony 5/13/26
officialHearing Transcript 5/13/26
officialStraight from the Council record: fiscal impact statements, committee reports, and hearing transcripts as filed.
The numbers
34
sponsors on the bill
Sponsors
Kamillah HanksRita C. JosephMercedes NarcisseChi A. OsséSelvena N. Brooks-PowersNantasha M. WilliamsLincoln RestlerAlthea V. StevensFarah N. LouisAmanda C. FaríasShahana K. HanifShekar KrishnanCarmen N. De La RosaChris BanksPhil WongChristopher MarteSandy NurseTy HankersonYusef SalaamSandra UngTiffany L. CabánJustin E. SanchezGale A. BrewerHarvey D. EpsteinPierina Ana SanchezAlexa AvilésShirley AldebolJulie WonSusan ZhuangElsie EncarnaciónCrystal HudsonEric DinowitzFrank MoranoPublic Advocate Jumaane Williams
Every fact on this page links to its source, starting with the official bill record. Last action: Laid Over by Committee (May 13, 2026).