Historic Preservation Enhancement Act
Sponsored By: Representative Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3]
Introduced
Summary
Doubles the annual deposit to the Historic Preservation Fund to $300 million and makes that funding a standing, ongoing source. It would also lock in minimum shares for states and tribes, authorize several targeted grant programs, and create a Treasury backstop if dedicated revenues fall short.
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- State Historic Preservation Offices get a guaranteed minimum of 40 percent of available HPF funds each year, giving states a steadier funding floor for preservation work.
- Tribal Historic Preservation Offices get at least 20 percent and the share must be adjusted if the number of Tribal offices grows, directing more predictable support to Native communities.
- Authorizes four named grant programs including African American Civil Rights Movement Initiative & Grants, History of Equal Rights Grants, Survey Grants for Underrepresented Communities, and Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants.
- Requires the President to propose full allocations to Congress and creates a mechanism for the Treasury general fund to cover any shortfall in HPF deposits when dedicated revenues are insufficient.
*Would increase federal spending exposure by doubling the statutory annual deposit to $300 million and creating a Treasury backstop for shortfalls.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Bigger annual Historic Preservation Fund
If enacted, the bill would raise the annual deposit into the Historic Preservation Fund from $150 million to $300 million. Money deposited for fiscal year 2026 and later would be available to spend in fiscal year 2027 and later without further appropriation. If the revenues are not enough, the shortfall could be covered by deposits from the Treasury general fund.
Minimum shares for State and Tribal offices
If enacted, the bill would require at least 40% of Fund money each year go to State Historic Preservation Offices and at least 20% go to Tribal Historic Preservation Offices. The tribal share would rise if the number of Tribal Historic Preservation Offices increases. If Congress does not set different shares in an Appropriations Act, the President would allocate the money or any shortfall. The President must send proposed allocations for fiscal year 2027 within 90 days after enactment and then include them in the annual budget. If the Interior Department or National Park Service is under a continuing resolution, the President could distribute money to those offices at the prior year's rate.
New named grants for preservation
If enacted, the bill would authorize four named programs to get money from the Historic Preservation Fund, subject to appropriations. The programs include African American Civil Rights Movement Initiative & Grants, History of Equal Rights Grants, Survey Grants for Underrepresented Communities, and Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants. Funding would depend on amounts in the Fund or future appropriations.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3]
NM • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3]
KS • D
Sponsored 5/12/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov