SRC-JFA, JFA H.B. 2848 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterH.B. 2848
By: Berlanga (Truan)
Natural Resources
5-16-97
Committee Report (Amended)


DIGEST 

Currently, 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 is the state
agency that establishes all the rules, terms and conditions under which
state collections are curated and/or displayed.  This bill would designate
the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History as the Marine Archeology
Repository and authorize the Texas Historical Commission to place
artifacts in any facility in which the commission so chooses.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2848 designates the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and
History as the Marine Archeology Repository and authorizes the Texas
Historical Commission to place artifacts in any facility in which the
commission so chooses.   

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends the heading of Section 191.058, Natural Resources Code,
as follows: 

Sec. 191.058.  New heading:  CURATION OF ARTIFACTS.

SECTION 2. Amends Section 191.058, Natural Resources Code, by adding
Subsection (d), to authorize the Texas Historical Commission (committee)
to contract with a qualified institution for the institution to serve as a
repository for artifacts and other items in the custody of the committee.
Provides that the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History is the
repository for marine artifacts.  Authorizes the committee to contract
with other qualified institutions to serve as additional repositories for
marine artifacts.  Authorizes the committee to authorize an archeological
repository to loan artifacts and other items curated by the repository to
a qualified institution for public display. Provides that the Corpus
Christi Museum of Science and History does not own the artifacts for which
it serves as a repository; and shall make available for loan to a
qualified institution for display the marine artifacts for which it serves
as a repository.  

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

Amendment 1.

Page 1, line 18, inserts at the end of proposed Subsection (d), after
display, that the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History does not
own the artifacts for which it serves as a repository; and shall make
available for loan to a qualified institution for display the marine
artifacts for which it serves as a repository.