Amends TCA Title 4; Title 9 and Title 13.

This bill creates within the state general fund a special account to be known as the African American cultural and historical grant fund to be administered by the Tennessee historical commission ("commission"). The purpose of the fund is to support capital projects at facilities in this state that highlight the contributions, culture, or history of African Americans. Money in the fund may also be used by the commission for program administration, marketing expenses, and program evaluation. However, such expenses must not exceed 5 percent of the total amount appropriated in any fiscal year.<br /> <br /> Subject to the availability of funds, this bill requires the commission to allocate and disperse grants to entities and facilities to effectuate this bill. The commission must establish and publish guidelines for applications, including eligibility, and the award of grants. However, priority for grants must be given to projects that encourage the design or construction of a new facility or the renovation of an existing facility in an area with great cultural significance in which no facility exists; enhance the beauty or aesthetic value of facilities named for significant African-Americans; or restore facilities on the national register of historic places. <br /> <br /> This bill requires the commission to submit an annual report to the finance, ways and means committees of the senate and the house of representatives by March 1, 2025, and by March 1 of each subsequent year on the status of this program and the allocation of grant funds.<br /> <br /> This bill authorizes the commission to promulgate rules to effectuate this bill.<br />