BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.J.R. 37
	By: Schwertner
	Administration
	2/10/2021
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

S.J.R. 37 adds categories to the list of historical items for which the legislature may appropriate funds in the interest of preserving or perpetuating memorials of the history of Texas. It allows the legislature or a state agency to accept gifts, on behalf of the state, of items of historical value and contributions to purchase items of historical value.

S.J.R. 37 proposes a constitutional amendment relating to appropriations for the preservation and perpetuation of certain items of historical value and to allow the legislature and state agencies to accept on behalf of the state gifts of items of historical value and contributions to purchase such items.

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. Amends Section 39, Article XVI, Texas Constitution, as follows:

Sec. 39. Authorizes the legislature to, from time to time, make appropriations for preserving and perpetuating memorials of the history of Texas, by certain means, including by means of films, videotapes, audiotapes, computer files, or other electronic storage media. Authorizes the legislature or an agency of the state to accept on behalf of the state gifts of items of historical value and contributions to purchase items of historical value.

SECTION 2. Requires that this proposed constitutional amendment be submitted to the voters at an election to be held on November 2, 2021. Sets forth the required language for the ballot.