What does Preamble of Reconciliation in Place Names Act do?

This bill establishes a process for the Board on Geographic Names to review and revise offensive place names. It also creates an advisory committee to recommend offensive place names for review by the Board. The bill's purpose is to address offensive place names and for other purposes.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Reconciliation in Place Names Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Reconciliation in Place Names Act.

What does FINDINGS. of Reconciliation in Place Names Act do?

This section outlines findings regarding place names in the United States. It identifies that some geographic features are named with derogatory terms or in honor of individuals with problematic histories, including those who held racially repugnant views or committed atrocities against Native Americans. The text asserts that such place names perpetuate prejudice, disparage racial minorities, and honor individuals who committed or supported atrocities. It states that place names should be equitable, just, and honor the cultural diversity of the United States. The Board on Geographic Names and the Secretary are responsible for naming geographic features. The current renaming process is described as time-consuming, lacking transparency, and failing to adequately address the issue. The section emphasizes the need for a systematic, public process to review and replace offensive place names. This process is presented as an opportunity for reconciliation for those who suffer from prejudice and racial violence, as well as all people of the United States.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Reconciliation in Place Names Act do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. “Board” refers to the Board on Geographic Names established in 1947. “Committee” refers to the Advisory Committee on Reconciliation in Place Names. “Federal land unit” includes National Forest System land, units of the National Park System, components of the National Wilderness Preservation System, parts of the National Landscape Conservation System, and units of the National Wildlife Refuge System. “Indian Tribe” and “Tribal organization” are defined by reference to section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. “Offensive place name” is defined as a name that recognizes individuals with racially repugnant views, committed atrocities against Native Americans, supported discriminatory policies, or carried out other injustices against racial minorities; contains a racial or sexual slur; perpetuates stereotypes; or is derogatory. “Secretary” refers to the Secretary of the Interior.

What does ADVISORY COMMITTEE. of Reconciliation in Place Names Act do?

This section establishes an advisory committee called the "Advisory Committee on Reconciliation in Place Names". The committee's purpose is to advise the Board, the Secretary, and Congress regarding renaming geographic features and Federal land units with offensive place names. The committee will consist of 17 members appointed by the Secretary, with specific representation from Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, Native Hawaiian organizations, civil rights/race relations experts, academics, and the general public. Before appointing members, the Secretary must consult with Indian Tribes. The committee will establish a process to solicit and review renaming proposals, seeking input from Indian Tribes, state and local governments, land management agencies, and the public. The committee will provide opportunities for public comment on proposed name changes. The committee will submit proposals to the Board and Congress for renaming geographic features and Federal land units, respectively. Committee members will serve without compensation but are eligible for travel expenses. The Secretary will provide staff and technical assistance to the committee. The committee is subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act and is expected to complete its duties within five years, terminating one year after the Board approves or rejects its proposals.

What does BOARD REVIEW. of Reconciliation in Place Names Act do?

The Board must accept or reject proposals received under section 4(e)(4) within three years. The Board generally approves Committee proposals submitted under section 4(e)(4). The Board may reject a proposal if there is a compelling reason and substantial public interest, or if approval would violate federal law. If the Board accepts a Committee's proposal to rename a geographic feature, the Board must rename the feature. Board policies preventing consideration of name changes due to pending legislation do not apply to Committee proposals.

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Reconciliation in Place Names Act

Last updated: 9/18/2025 · Introduced: 9/18/2025

Author: Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes an Advisory Committee on Reconciliation in Place Names to recommend offensive place names for review and renaming.
The Board on Geographic Names is required to review and act on renaming proposals submitted by the Advisory Committee within three years.
The legislation defines 'offensive place names' as those that recognize individuals with racially repugnant views, contain slurs, perpetuate stereotypes, or are derogatory.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 4 more.

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