H.R. 4539 — what changed

In general— There is established a commission, to be known as the “400 Years of African-American History Commission”.

Composition— The Commission shall be composed of 15 members, of whom—

Time of appointment— Each appointment of an initial member of the Commission shall be made before the expiration of the 120-day period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act.

Term— A member of the Commission shall be appointed for the life of the Commission.

In general— A vacancy on the Commission shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made.

Partial term— A member appointed to fill a vacancy on the Commission shall serve for the remainder of the term for which the predecessor of the member was appointed.

Continuation of membership— If a member of the Commission was appointed to the Commission as an employee of the National Park Service, and ceases to be an employee of the National Park Service, that member may continue to serve on the Commission for not longer than the 30-day period beginning on the date on which that member ceases to be an employee of the National Park Service.

Duties— The Commission shall—

plan, develop, and carry out programs and activities throughout the United States—

appropriate for the commemoration;

to recognize and highlight the resilience and contributions of African-Americans since 1619;

to acknowledge the impact that slavery and laws that enforced racial discrimination had on the United States; and

to educate the public about—

the arrival of Africans in the United States; and

the contributions of African-Americans to the United States;

encourage civic, patriotic, historical, educational, artistic, religious, economic, and other organizations throughout the United States to organize and participate in anniversary activities to expand understanding and appreciation of—

the significance of the arrival of Africans in the United States; and

the contributions of African-Americans to the United States;

provide technical assistance to States, localities, and nonprofit organizations to further the commemoration;

coordinate and facilitate for the public scholarly research on, publication about, and interpretation of—

the arrival of Africans in the United States; and

the contributions of African-Americans to the United States;

ensure that the commemoration provides a lasting legacy and long-term public benefit by assisting in the development of appropriate programs; and

help ensure that the observances of the commemoration are inclusive and appropriately recognize the experiences and heritage of all individuals present at the arrival of Africans in the United States.

Initial meeting— Not later than 30 days after the date on which all members of the Commission have been appointed, the Commission shall hold the initial meeting of the Commission.

Meetings— The Commission shall meet—

at the call of the Chairperson or the majority of the members of the Commission.

Quorum— A majority of the voting members shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold meetings.

Election— The Commission shall elect the Chairperson and the Vice Chairperson of the Commission on an annual basis.

Absence of the chairperson— The Vice Chairperson shall serve as the Chairperson in the absence of the Chairperson.

Voting— The Commission shall act only on an affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Commission.