Virginia House Bill HB1823

Virginia 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/6/25
• Refer: 1/6/25
• Report Pass: 1/29/25
• Report Pass: 1/31/25
• Engrossed: 2/3/25

Caption

Lynching Sites Memorialization, Virginia Commission on; established, report, sunset.

Impact

The bill modifies existing state laws by formally creating a structure specifically dedicated to researching and memorializing lynching sites. It empowers the Commission to conduct thorough research using historical resources and engage with communities, including descendants of victims, in the commemoration process. The bill emphasizes the importance of accurate historical representation and aims to foster dialogue about the legacies of racial violence, thereby influencing public education and awareness significantly.

Summary

House Bill 1823 establishes the Virginia Commission on Lynching Sites Memorialization, aimed at recognizing and memorializing sites where lynching occurred in Virginia from 1607 to the present. The Commission is tasked with placing historical markers at these sites to acknowledge the history of racial violence and ensure that such events are accurately recorded and presented to the public. The establishment of this commission is seen as a significant step in the process of reconciliation and education concerning Virginia's historical context regarding racial injustice.

Contention

While the bill aims to address a critical aspect of Virginia's history, it may face contention regarding the resource allocation for the Commission's activities. Funding is a potential concern, as the bill indicates that the Commission will seek private donations and federal grants. Additionally, some may argue about the effectiveness and significance of placing markers at historical sites compared to other forms of addressing historical racial injustices. Thus, while the bill is positioned as a move toward reconciliation, the conversations possible around its implementation will likely be complex.