S.791 - Justice Thurgood Marshall National Historic Site Establishment Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.791, the Justice Thurgood Marshall National Historic Site Establishment Act of 2025, aims to establish the Justice Thurgood Marshall National Historic Site in Baltimore, Maryland, as an affiliated area of the National Park System. The bill designates Public School 103, where Thurgood Marshall received his elementary education, as the historic site. The Beloved Community Services Corporation, which owns and operates the school as a museum, will continue to manage the site.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would formally recognize and preserve a site of significant historical importance related to Justice Thurgood Marshall's early life and legacy. The National Park Service would provide technical and financial assistance for the site's marketing, interpretation, and preservation. However, the Secretary of the Interior would not acquire the school or assume overall financial responsibility for its operation.
Potential Benefits
- Preservation of a site significant to African American history and the Civil Rights Movement.
- Increased awareness and education about Justice Thurgood Marshall's contributions.
- Potential for increased tourism and economic activity in the surrounding area.
- Collaboration between the National Park Service and the Beloved Community Services Corporation.
- Reinforcement of the importance of education and historical preservation.
Potential Disadvantages
- Limited direct federal financial responsibility, potentially placing a burden on the Beloved Community Services Corporation.
- Potential for bureaucratic hurdles in coordinating between the National Park Service and the management entity.
- Risk of insufficient funding to fully realize the site's potential.
- Possible gentrification or displacement of local residents due to increased tourism (though unlikely to be significant).
- The act does not address other potential sites related to Thurgood Marshall's life.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the spirit of the Constitution by promoting the general welfare through the preservation of historical sites and the recognition of significant figures in American history. While the Constitution does not explicitly address historical preservation, the establishment of a national historic site falls within the implied powers of Congress to enact legislation deemed necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).