BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1381

By: Longoria

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Funding was appropriated to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission in the 86th Legislature for the construction of new libraries along the state's border with Mexico due to feedback from residents, local libraries, and library associations in the area. However, current state law prohibits the use of state grants for the construction of public libraries. This prohibition also complicates possible federal funding that may be appropriated for libraries in the latest infrastructure bill. H.B. 1381 seeks to address this issue by providing for the use of state grants for library construction.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1381 amends the Government Code to make construction grants eligible for inclusion in the Texas State Library and Archives Commission's program of state grants for purposes of encouraging the establishment of new public libraries or the improvement of existing public libraries. The bill authorizes libraries and library systems to use state grants for new construction, rehabilitation, or renovation of a library or the infrastructure of a library and associated expenses.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.