BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 4056
87R20873 JCG-D	By: Meza et al. (Hughes)
	Natural Resources & Economic Development
	5/18/2021
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Texas will celebrate the 200th anniversary of its declaration of independence on March 2, 2036. The celebrations that occurred in Texas for the 150th and 100th anniversaries of independence were tremendous economic generators for the state. There have been calls for the planning of the bicentennial celebration to begin as soon as possible so that economic benefit provided to the state matches or exceeds that of previous statewide celebrations. H.B. 4056 seeks to address this issue by creating a diverse committee to study the formation of a Texas Bicentennial Commission to plan a celebration for the 2036 Texas Bicentennial.

H.B. 4056 amends current law relating to the establishment of a committee to study the formation of a Texas Bicentennial Commission.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.� DEFINITION.� Defines "committee."

SECTION 2.� COMMITTEE.� (a) Sets forth the composition of the committee.

(b) Requires the committee to reflect the racial, ethnic, and geographic diversity of this state.

(c) Requires the committee to meet at the call of the presiding officer. Authorizes committee meetings to be held in person, by telephone, or by other means of communication.

(d) Authorizes the committee to establish subcommittees to assist the committee in carrying out its duties under this Act.

(e) Prohibits a member of the committee from receiving compensation for service on the committee.

(f) Requires the General Land Office and the Texas Historical Commission to provide administrative support services at the request of the committee, including assisting in drafting and compiling the report required by this Act.

(g) Requires that committee meetings be open to the public.

SECTION 3.� STUDY; REPORT.� (a) Requires the committee to study the formation of a Texas Bicentennial Commission (commission) to plan this state's celebration of the 2036 bicentennial, including:

(1)  the composition of the commission, the manner of appointing its members, and the total number of members; and

(2)  the scope and duties of the commission.

(b) Requires the committee, not later than December 30, 2022, to submit a written report to each member of the legislature with recommendations on the areas of study described by Subsection (a) of this section and any other recommendations the committee considers appropriate.

SECTION 4.� EXPIRATION.� Provides that the committee is abolished and this Act expires January 1, 2023.

SECTION 5.� EFFECTIVE DATE.� Effective date: September 1, 2021.