Leader Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa)’s bill, House Bill 49 – Abandoned and Historic Cemeteries, unanimously passed the House floor yesterday. HB 49 is a continuation of Leader Driskell’s longstanding commitment to addressing abandoned African American cemeteries in the State of Florida.
HB 49 seeks to codify the 2021 Abandoned African American Cemetery Task Force’s recommendations into law. It creates the Historic Cemeteries Program and the Historic Cemeteries Program Advisory Council within the Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources to support and facilitate abandoned and historic cemetery education and maintenance. It includes a $1 million appropriation for research on abandoned cemeteries and for grants to help repair, restore, or maintain African American cemeteries. With the passage of this bill, many Floridians can finally honor the lives of their ancestors and loved ones with the humanity and respect they’ve always deserved.
“I am thrilled to announce that HB 49 passed with unanimous bipartisan support in the Florida House. I am grateful for the collaboration and hard work of my colleagues to help get this bill ready for a full vote. As we continue our efforts, I remain committed to a Florida where everyone deserves the freedom to be healthy, prosperous, and safe. Together as we honor our past, we can build a better future for our state,” said Leader Driskell.
