SCT H.B. 1811 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


STATE FEDERAL & INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
H.B. 1811
By: Hunter
4-7-97
Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND

Every state is required by the National Historical Publications and
Records Commission (NHPRC) to establish a Historical Records Advisory
Board in order to qualify for the funding it provides to assist in the
preservation and management of significant historical records.  These
state Advisory Boards coordinate historical records programs in the states
and review and screen grant applications to the NHPRC.  The Texas
Historical Records Advisory Board (THRAB) was created by an Executive
Order of the Governor some years ago.  It serves as an advisory board to
the State Library and Archives Commission.  Funding for the Board's
operations is provided by the NHPRC. 

Last year the THRAB carried out a strategic planning process; one outcome
of that process was a recommendation that the THRAB be established in
statute.  Another recommendation was to change the membership of the THRAB
to bring it more into line with the Commission's other advisory boards,
appointed by the Commission's Director and Librarian.  This proposed new
law would accomplish these changes. 

PURPOSE

This legislation establishes the current Texas Historical Records Advisory
Board in statute, making minor changes to its membership. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to
a state officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 441, Government Code by adding Subchapter L.
Establishes the                                        Texas Historical
Records Advisory Board (THRAB). 
  Section 441.201.  Definitions.
  Section 441.202. Texas Historical Records Advisory Board.
Provides the purpose for the establishment of the THRAB: to be
the advisory body for projects that are funded by the National
Historical Publications and Records Commission and are
developed and implemented in this state.  Lists the duties of the
board. 
  Section 441.203.  Composition Of The Board.
Provides the composition of the board.  The following members
will be appointed by the Governor: State Archivist (presiding
officer of board), two public members.  The following members
will be appointed by the director and librarian: six members,
experienced in keeping governmental, historical, or archival
records. 
  Section 441.204. Terms.
Provides the terms of the board.  The State Archivist serves a
four year term, all others serve staggered three year terms. 
  Section 441.205.  Compensation.
Provides for the compensation of the board members.  Members
will not be compensated.  They will only be entitled to
reimbursement for travel expenses while conducting business
of the board. 
  Section 441.206.  Vacancy.
Provides for the vacancy of a board member. 

SECTION 2. Provides for the appointment of the board members, after the
effective date of the   Act, and for the designation of their staggered
terms. 

SECTION 3. Sets the date for which the Act will take effect.

SECTION 4. Emergency Clause.