110 HR 390 : Preservation of Records of Servitude, U.S. House of Representatives 2007-01-23 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IIB 110th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 390 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES January 23, 2007 Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs AN ACT To require the establishment of a national database in the National Archives to preserve records of servitude, emancipation, and post-Civil War reconstruction and to provide grants to State and local entities to establish similar local databases.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Preservation of Records of Servitude, Emancipation, and Post-Civil War Reconstruction Act.

2.

Establishment of national database

(a)

In general

The Archivist of the United States shall preserve relevant records and establish, as part of the National Archives, an electronically searchable national database consisting of historic records of servitude, emancipation, and post-Civil War reconstruction, including the Southern Claims Commission Records, Records of the Freedmen’s Bank, Slave Impressments Records, Slave Payroll Records, Slave Manifest, and others, contained within the agencies and departments of the Federal Government to assist African Americans and others in conducting genealogical and historical research. (b)

Maintenance

The database established under this section shall be maintained by the National Archives or an entity within the National Archives designated by the Archivist.

3.

Grants for establishment of State and local databases

(a)

In general

The National Historical Publications and Records Commission of the National Archives shall provide grants to States, colleges and universities, and genealogical associations to preserve records and establish electronically searchable databases consisting of local records of servitude, emancipation, and post-Civil War reconstruction. (b)

Maintenance

The databases established using grants provided under this section shall be maintained by appropriate agencies or institutions designated by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.

4.

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated— (1)$5,000,000 to implement section 2; and (2)$5,000,000 to provide grants under section 3.

Passed the House of Representatives January 22, 2007. Karen L. Haas, Clerk.