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Int 0220-2026 · BillLaid Over in Committee · Jan 28, 2026

A Local Law to amend the New York city charter, in relation to the identification of formerly enslaved African American burial sites

Introduced
Reported from Committee
Passed Council
Local Law
Step 1 of 4 · Introduced
Rita C. Joseph
Sponsor
Rita C. JosephDemocratDistrict 40

Summary

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.

Official summary of legislation · NYC Council

Legislative history

Last action

Jan 28, 2026