All Roll Calls
Yes: 292 • No: 1
TexasSB 21789th Legislature Regular SessionSenateWALLET
Relating to establishing the Historic Texas Freedmen's Cemetery Designation Program; authorizing a fee.
Sponsored By: Harold V. Dutton Jr., Penny Morales Shaw, Lauren Ashley Simmons, Royce West (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
CemeteriesHistoric Preservation & MuseumsHISTORIC TEXAS FREEDMEN'S CEMETERY DESIGNATION ACTHISTORICAL COMMISSION, TEXAS
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Texas recognizes historic Freedmen's cemeteries
Beginning September 1, 2025, the law creates a cemetery recognition program run by the Texas Historical Commission. It alerts the public and nearby landowners to cemeteries containing graves of formerly enslaved people who gained freedom. Anyone can apply with proof that the cemetery exists and contains at least one such grave. Cemeteries must also meet additional Commission requirements. After receiving an application, the Commission must notify the cemetery property owner, adjacent property owners, and any applicable cemetery organization. It must approve qualifying applications, notify applicants, and explain that a recognition medallion is available to buy. For nonqualifying applications, it may request more information or deny the application; applicants can appeal denials to Commission members. The Commission must design the medallion, create an application process, and post the form online. It must adopt rules to run the program by June 1, 2026.
Cemetery applicants face possible application fees
Beginning September 1, 2025, the Texas Historical Commission may charge for each Freedmen's cemetery designation application. The fee cannot exceed $25 per application. The Commission may also charge no fee.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Harold V. Dutton Jr.
House
Penny Morales Shaw
House
Lauren Ashley Simmons
House
Royce West
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Borris L. Miles
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 5/22/2025
Record vote
Yes: 140 • No: 0
House vote • 5/21/2025
Record vote
Yes: 142 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/22/2025
Record vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/22/2025
Record vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • Unknown
Committee vote: Economic Development
Yes: 4 • No: 1
House vote • Unknown
Committee vote: Culture, Recreation & Tourism
Yes: 6 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Effective on 9/1/25
6/20/2025HouseSigned by the Governor
6/20/2025HouseSent to the Governor
5/27/2025HouseSigned in the House
5/26/2025HouseSigned in the Senate
5/26/2025SenateReported enrolled
5/23/2025SenateHouse passage reported
5/23/2025SenateRecord vote (RV#3235)
5/22/2025HousePassed
5/22/2025HouseLaid out as postponed business
5/22/2025HousePostponed (5/22/25 3:30 PM)
5/22/2025HouseLaid out as postponed business
5/22/2025HousePostponed (5/22/25 12:00 PM)
5/22/2025HouseRead 3rd time
5/22/2025HouseAdditional sponsor(s) authorized
5/22/2025HouseRules suspended
5/22/2025HouseStatement(s) of vote recorded in Journal
5/21/2025HouseRecord vote (RV#3166)
5/21/2025HousePassed to 3rd reading
5/21/2025HouseRead 2nd time
5/21/2025HousePlaced on General State Calendar
5/21/2025HouseConsidered in Calendars
5/19/2025HouseCommittee report sent to Calendars
5/16/2025HouseCommittee report distributed
5/16/2025HouseComte report filed with Committee Coordinator
5/16/2025House
Bill Text
Engrossed
Enrolled
House Committee Report
Introduced
Senate Committee Report
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