SRC-AAA H.B. 2920 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2920
By: Hodge (West)
Intergovernmental Relations
5-8-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 


A state statute was created in 1987 to specifically allow The Sixth Floor
Museum in Dallas, Texas to charge admission.  The museum is located in the
former Texas School Book Depository building, and is operated by the
Dallas County Historical Foundation, a nonprofit organization. The
building is now owned by Dallas County, which utilizes five floors for
offices.                                                                   
At the time the museum was established the statute provided for all
admission fees to be deposited in a special county fund.  In practice the
money is deposited and then transferred back to the foundation for
operational purposes.  This process has proven to be cumbersome.  Further,
the museum generates some of its operating income through grants and
private gifts.  Many foundations, corporations, and individuals do not
give to governmental entities.  The bill would allow the foundation and
the county to clarify their relationship.
    
PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2920 allows a nonprofit organization to contract with a
county commissioners court to operate a museum or historic site in a
county with a population of  1.2 million or more.        
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 Chapter 316B, Local Government Code, by adding Section
316.022, as follows: 

Sec. 316.022. MUSEUMS AND HISTORIC SITES IN CERTAIN COUNTIES OPERATED BY
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS.  Authorizes the commissioners court  of a county
with a population of 1,200,000 or more to enter into certain contracts
with a nonprofit organization.  Requires the commissioners court, by
order, to set the admission fee authorized by the contract. Provides that
the funds generated by the admission fees are not required to be deposited
in the county treasury. Authorizes the nonprofit organization to spend
funds generated by the admission fees for the payment of certain costs.
Prohibits the funds from being used for purposes other than those
associated with the building or site. Defines "nonprofit organization." 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.