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Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2025-04-03

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill creates the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Commission within the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources to preserve, interpret, and promote AAPI history, arts, and culture in North Carolina. The nine-member commission will advise state officials, support heritage education in schools, and catalog AAPI historical sites and cultural resources. The bill appropriates $250,000 annually for the 2025-2027 biennium to fund the commission's operations.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this commission fills a gap in state cultural recognition by establishing dedicated resources to preserve and promote Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage and history.
• •They contend the commission will enhance public awareness of AAPI contributions to North Carolina, support educational initiatives in schools, and create a network for heritage preservation.
• •Proponents also point out that other demographic groups have similar heritage commissions, making this an equitable addition to state cultural infrastructure.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may argue the bill creates another state commission and spending that adds to government overhead during budget constraints, particularly with $250,000 in recurring annual costs.
• •Some may contend that cultural and historical preservation could be addressed through existing state agencies or private organizations rather than establishing a new dedicated commission.
• •Critics might also question whether the funding and administrative structure represents the most efficient use of state resources.