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COMMITTEE REPORT
May 22, 2007
H. 3795
S. Printed 5/22/07--S.
Read the first time April 3, 2007.
To whom was referred a Joint Resolution (H. 3795) to direct the South Carolina Commission of Archives and History to establish the South Carolina African-American Heritage Commission to assist, etc., respectfully
That they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend that the same do pass:
JOHN E. COURSON for Committee.
TO DIRECT THE SOUTH CAROLINA COMMISSION OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA AFRICAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION TO ASSIST AND ENHANCE THE DEPARTMENT'S EFFORTS TO PRESERVE AND PROMOTE HISTORIC PROPERTIES REFLECTING THE STATE'S AFRICAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE; AND TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE STAFF ASSISTANCE AND FUNDING FOR THE COMMISSION.
Whereas, South Carolina has a rich diversity of historic buildings, structures, and sites illustrating the State's African-American heritage; and
Whereas, these historic properties help present and future generations understand our past and remind us of the aspirations, ingenuity, and courage of those who came before us; and
Whereas, these historic properties are being lost or substantially altered, often inadvertently, with increasing frequency; and
Whereas, the South Carolina Department of Archives and History is charged with encouraging and assisting South Carolina's citizens with the identification and preservation of these significant properties; and
Whereas, in the face of ever-increasing threats, it is necessary to enhance the South Carolina Department of Archives and History's efforts to identify, promote, and preserve these irreplaceable historic properties. Now, therefore,
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. (A) The South Carolina Commission of Archives and History shall establish the South Carolina African-American Heritage Commission to assist and enhance the efforts of the department to preserve and promote historic buildings, structures, and sites reflecting the State's African-American heritage. The commission shall:
(1) promote public awareness of buildings, sites, and structures associated with South Carolina's African-American heritage through publications, presentations, and workshops;
(2) support African-American heritage education at the elementary, secondary, and college levels;
(3) build a network of African-American individuals and groups interested in historic preservation;
(4) support the recruitment and hiring of African-American professionals by historical organizations and agencies;
(5) advise the Commission of Archives and History on matters relating to the identification and preservation of buildings, structures, and sites associated with African-American history and the programs and services of the department.
(B) The South Carolina African-American Heritage Commission shall consist of fifteen members appointed to staggered terms by the South Carolina Commission of Archives and History. The members of the African-American Heritage Commission shall represent all geographic regions of the State. The South Carolina Commission of Archives and History also may appoint other nonvoting members representing appropriate organizations. The members may not receive per diem, but must be reimbursed for mileage and subsistence from the State Historic Preservation Grant Fund.
(C) The African-American Heritage Commission also shall include nonvoting associate members who must be kept informed of its activities and invited to attend meetings. Associate members shall form a network of individuals and groups across the State who are interested in the preservation of properties associated with African-American history. Associate members are not eligible for per diem, mileage, and subsistence.
(D) The African-American Heritage Commission shall meet quarterly and shall plan activities to carry out its duties as enumerated in subsection (A). It shall establish bylaws for appointing members, electing officers, and conducting meetings.
(E) The South Carolina Department of Archives and History shall serve in a nonvoting advisory role to the African-American Heritage Commission and shall provide information and staff assistance. The commission must be funded through the State Historic Preservation Grant Fund, South Carolina's annual allocation from the federal Historic Preservation Fund, and any nonstate funds contributed to the commission.
(F) This resolution does not preclude the African-American Heritage Commission from receiving a charter as a nonprofit organization at a future date.
SECTION 2. This joint resolution takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
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