BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 1985
	By: Hughes
	Natural Resources & Economic Development
	6/8/2023
	Enrolled

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The 87th Legislature passed H.B. 4056, which established a planning committee for the bicentennial celebration of Texas that is occurring in 2036. This committee was disbanded on January 1, 2023, and interested parties have since requested the reestablishment of this planning committee. S.B. 1985 would create the bicentennial of Texas planning committee exactly as passed in the last session.

(Original Author's/Sponsor's Statement of Intent)

S.B. 1985 amends current law relating to the reestablishment of the 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) Provides that the committee established by Chapter 734 (H.B. 4056) (relating to the establishment of a committee to study the formation of a Texas Bicentennial Commission (commission)), Acts of the 87th Legislature, Regular Session, 2021, is reestablished to continue carrying out the committee's duties. Authorizes a person who served on the committee established by Chapter 734 to be reappointed to the committee under Subsection (b) of this section by the relevant appointing authority.

(b) Provides that the committee is composed of 18 members as follows:

(1) one member appointed by the governor who serves as presiding officer;

(2) one member appointed jointly by the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house of representatives who serves as assistant presiding officer;

(3) five senators appointed by the lieutenant governor;

(4) five members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; and

(5) six nonvoting members appointed by the governor who are residents of this state with at least one member appointed from each state senatorial district that contains one of the following:

(A) Fair Park;

(B) the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site;

(C) the Alamo;

(D) the State Capitol; or

(E) Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site.

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

(d) 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.

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

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

(g) 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.

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

SECTION 3. STUDY; REPORT. (a) Requires the committee to study the formation of a 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 September 30, 2024, 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. Requires the committee to submit a second report to each member of the legislature not later than September 30, 2026, covering the committee's activities performed after the date the first report is submitted.

SECTION 4. EXPIRATION. Provides that the committee is abolished and this Act expires January 1, 2027.

SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. Effective date: September 1, 2023.