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H 3602MASSACHUSETTSSession 194thState Billin committee

Massachusetts legislature creates study commission for proposed Caribbean American Cultural Center in Boston

Original title: An Act creating a commission establishing a Massachusetts Caribbean American Cultural Center

Last action · January 8, 2026: Discharged to the committee on House RulesSponsor: Chris Worrell

Bill progressHistory & official text ↓
Introduced
Committee
Floor Vote
Passed
Law

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What This Bill Would Do

A newly established will investigate and report on the feasibility, methods, and costs of creating a statewide Massachusetts Caribbean American Cultural Center in Boston. The commission is mandated to complete its appointments by June 30, 2026, and submit its final findings and recommendations by December 31, 2026.

Why it matters

Establishes a formal state-backed study group to evaluate the creation, funding mechanisms, and construction oversight of a new cultural institution celebrating over 300 years of Caribbean history in the Commonwealth.

Background
  • Christopher J. Worrell is a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives who filed the petition for House Bill 3602. context
  • The General Court is the bicameral legislature of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, comprising the House of Representatives and the Senate. context

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

House of Representatives

Appoints members to the study commission and receives its final findings and recommendations.

Directly affected

Senate

Appoints members to the study commission and receives its final findings and recommendations.

Directly affected

Residents of Caribbean descent

Represented through the historical evaluation and potential establishment of a dedicated cultural center.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main goal of the newly established commission?
The commission is directed to investigate and study the feasibility, methods, and costs of establishing a statewide Massachusetts Caribbean American Cultural Center in Boston.
When does the commission have to report its findings?
The commission must submit its findings and recommendations to the clerks of the House of Representatives and the Senate no later than December 31, 2026.
Who appoints the members of the commission?
Members are appointed by the Speaker of the House, House Minority Leader, Senate President, Senate Minority Leader, Mayor of Boston, the Governor, and through joint approval by House and Senate members for up to fifteen additional participants.

What else do you want to know?

News Coverage

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

5 actions
  1. Jan 8, 2026House
    Discharged to the committee on House Rules
  2. Dec 24, 2025HouseCommittee
    Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently
  3. Oct 9, 2025Joint
    Hearing scheduled for 10/21/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in B-2
  4. Feb 27, 2025Senate
    Senate concurred
  5. Feb 27, 2025HouseCommittee
    Referred to the committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

View official text →

Lobbying Activity

No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.

Full breakdown

Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.

Sponsors

Chris WorrellHouse · District 5th SuffolkDemocraticPrimary sponsor

Connected Entities

Boston, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, House Minority Leader and 7 more
locationBoston“City where the proposed cultural center would be located.”Map →
locationCommonwealth of Massachusetts“Jurisdiction establishing the commission and examining its history.”Map →
PersonHouse Minority Leader“Official responsible for appointing one member to the commission.”Map →
PersonSenate President“Official responsible for appointing two members to the commission.”Map →
PersonSpeaker of the House of Representatives“Official responsible for appointing two members to the commission.”Map →
OrganizationHouse of Representatives“Legislative body appointing members to the commission.”Map →
PersonSenate Minority Leader“Official responsible for appointing one member to the commission.”Map →
PersonMayor of the City of Boston“Official responsible for appointing one member to the commission.”Map →
OrganizationSenate“Legislative body appointing members to the commission.”Map →
PersonGovernor“Official responsible for appointing one member to the commission.”Map →

Sources

Open source document

malegislature.gov

Analysis Score

0–100
  • Significance25
    How much this matters to a regular citizen
  • Controversy10
    Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
  • Entertainment5
    Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
  • Buzz20
    Current news / social attention level

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