H 4840 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act to study the development of an underground railroad, civil rights and black heritage museum and cultural center in Springfield

This bill establishes a special legislative task force to study creating an Underground Railroad, Civil Rights, and Black Heritage Museum and Cultural Center in Springfield. The task force will examine local history, recommend a location, funding options, and operational requirements, with a final report due by July 2027. It directly involves Springfield residents, cultural institutions, and state officials through designated members including legislative leaders, the mayor, and museum representatives. The bill does not fund or create the museum itself but authorizes a study to inform future decisions. (Note: The bill is pending further legislative action after committee referral.)
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Dec 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Dec 24, 2025 Last action Jan 8, 2026
Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
2
Committee
3
Jan 8, 2026
Committee
Discharged to the committee on House Rules
lower
Dec 24, 2025
Lower · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently
lower
Dec 24, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported from the committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development
lower
0 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.