BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 1520

By: Hughes

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Placed in 1841, the only known remaining boundary marker designating the boundary line between the United States and the Republic of Texas stands along Texas State Highway 31 near Deadwood, Texas. Flanked by a Texas Historical Marker, this monument is considered a treasure from a period of Texas history that has very few surviving relics. However, its only protection from time, weather, and the threat of vandalism is a short, old, rusting, iron fence. This relic of our state's history is at risk, and it is an ongoing concern. The 86th Texas Legislative enacted S.B. 907, which directed the Texas Historical Commission to protect and preserve the International Boundary Marker to ensure that the marker remains high visibility to the public. This session, S.B. 1520 seeks to ensure that the marker stays in its original location, rather than being replaced with a replica and moved to another location.

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

S.B. 1520 repeals Section 442.0074(f), Government Code, which authorizes the Texas Historical Commission, in consultation with each state senator and representative in whose district the boundary marker known as the Republic of Texas Granite Boundary Marker and the International Boundary Marker is located and other interested parties, to replace the original boundary marker with a replica boundary marker; preserve, maintain and display the original boundary marker at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum; and perform the duties assigned to the commission with respect to the replica boundary marker at the original boundary marker location. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2023.