Enrolled Bill Summary

            House Bill 1107 reauthorizes the State Preservation Board with a new sunset date of 2007. The act authorizes the board to develop and construct a state history museum to be located in the Capitol Complex. House Bill 1 approves related bond issuance by the Texas Public Finance Authority and makes an appropriation for initial debt service payments for FY1998 and FY1999.

            The act authorizes the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house to designate representatives to act and vote on their behalf during board meetings. It exempts the board from certain purchasing laws and authorizes the executive director to approve certain purchases and leases for costs not in excess of $15,000. The act grants the board additional discretion in spending revenue derived from food service vendors, souvenir shop operators, and news media representatives located on the Capitol grounds. The appointment of a Capitol architect becomes discretionary, as well.

            The act requires the state auditor to review annually the executive director's report on the Capitol fund. The auditor may conduct economy and efficiency audits and effectiveness audits and may audit the transactions, funds, and programs of the board. A temporary provision directs the state auditor to perform a comprehensive audit of such transactions, funds, and programs and to report findings to the board and the Legislative Audit Committee by December 1, 1998.