SCT H.B. 2848 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


STATE FEDERAL & INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
H.B. 2848
By: Berlanga
4-16-97
Committee Report (Substituted)



BACKGROUND 

The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History has served as the only
marine archeology repository for marine collections in the state for a
number of years.  The Texas Historical Commission, which assumed the
responsibilities of the Texas Antiquities Committee, is the lead state
agency and establishes all the rules, terms and conditions under which
state collections are curated and/or displayed.  Key collections such as
the Platoro, Keenan, Purvis Collection and the 1554 shipwreck collection
have all been located at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History
under the auspices of the Texas Historical Commission.  Other agencies,
such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have also placed marine artifacts
at the Museum.  

This bill specifically recognizes the status of the Corpus Christi Museum
of Science and History as the Texas Marine Archeology Repository while
maintaining the flexibility of the Texas Historical Commission to place
artifacts at any facility which they so choose. 

PURPOSE

C.S.H.B. 2848 designates the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History
as the Marine Archeology Repository and permits the loan of state
collections for public display.. 

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. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 191.058, Natural Resources Code, by revising
the heading from "Display of Artifacts" to "Curation of Artifacts." 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 191.058, Natural Resources Code, by adding
Subsection (d) as follows: 

Subsection (d) allows the Texas Historical Commission (committee) to
contract with a qualified institution for the institution to serve as a
repository for items that are in committee custody.  Establishes that the
Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History is the repository for marine
artifacts.  Allows the committee to contract with other qualified
institutions to serve as additional repositories as specified.  Allows the
committee to authorize an archeological repository to loan items, as
specified, for public display. 

SECTION 3 Emergency Clause. Establishes that this Act is effective upon
passage. 

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

CSHB 2848 contains non-substantive changes in drafting as recommended by
Legislative Council.