BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 1520
88R12617 RDS-F	By: Hughes
	Natural Resources & Economic Development
	3/31/2023
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The only known remaining boundary marker for the Republic of Texas stands along Texas State Highway 31 near Deadwood, Texas. This granite piece, four feet tall, was placed in 1841 as a designated boundary line between the United States and the Republic of Texas. With the inscriptions still visible in the stone, this monument is considered a treasure from a period of Texas history that has very few tangible pieces surviving. The marker is flanked by a Texas Historical Marker, but its only protection from time, weather, and the threat of vandalism is a short, old, rusting, iron fence. The importance of preserving this relic of our state's history is at risk and is an ongoing concern.

In 2019, the legislature passed S.B. 907 directing the Texas Historical Commission (THC) to protect and preserve the International Boundary Marker, ensuring the boundary marks stays in high visibility to the public, including any facilities needed to adequately display and protect the marker and accommodate the public.

However, the bill also included a provision whereby THC, in consultation with the senator and representative in whose district the boundary marker is located, may replace the original marker with a replica and move the original to a museum.

S.B. 1520 repeals that provision. Keeping the marker in its original location is more authentic, safer for preservation of the marker, and gives more security for organizations that may want donate to its upkeep.

As proposed, S.B. 1520 amends current law relating to the authority of the Texas Historical Commission to take certain actions relating to the Republic of Texas Granite Boundary Marker.

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. Repealer: Section 442.0074(f) (relating to authorizing the Texas Historical Commission, in consultation with each state senator and representative in whose district the boundary marker is located and other interested parties, to perform certain actions), Government Code.

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2023.