H.R. 1330 — Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Act

This section establishes the short title of the Act as the “Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Act.”

This section authorizes the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino to be located within the Reserve of the National Mall, notwithstanding 40 U.S.C. § 8908(c), and makes a conforming amendment to strike the existing exception language in 20 U.S.C. 80u(g)(4). It also revises the site-selection process for any museum site under the jurisdiction of another federal agency or entity by requiring the Board of Regents to notify the agency or entity head before designating the site, requiring that official to notify specified congressional committees, and requiring transfer of administrative jurisdiction to the Smithsonian Institution as soon as practicable after the committees receive notice. This section further revises the museum’s exhibit and program requirements to require the Board of Trustees to ensure that exhibits and programs accurately and comprehensively represent the varied cultures, histories, events, and values of Hispanic or Latino communities and to seek, to its maximum ability, guidance from a broad array of knowledgeable and respected sources reflecting diverse political viewpoints and authentic experiences for both the creation and substantial revision of exhibits and programs. It defines “broad array” and “knowledgeable and respected source” for these purposes. This section also requires the Secretary of the Smithsonian to submit a report to seven congressional committees not later than 120 days after enactment and every 2 years thereafter on actions taken to comply with the amended requirements, including actions related to substantial revisions of current exhibits and programs and planning for future exhibits and programs. This section applies its changes as if included in section 201 of division T of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.