SRC-TNM S.J.R. 15 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.J.R. 15 By: Harris Administration 1-20-97 Committee Report (Unamended) DIGEST Currently, Texas has the ability to make appropriations for statutes, monuments, and paintings which are considered to have historical value. Films, videotapes, and audiotapes are not included as historical items which the legislature may procure. The legislature does not have the power to accept gifts or purchase historical items on behalf of the State of Texas. PURPOSE As proposed, S.J.R. 2 requires the submission to the voters of a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to make appropriations for preserving and perpetuating memorials and to accept gifts or purchase historical items on behalf of the state. 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 Section 39, Article XVI, Texas Constitution, as follows: Sec. 39. Authorizes the legislature to make appropriations for preserving and perpetuating memorials of the history of Texas, by means of monuments, statues, paintings, films, videotapes, audiotapes, and documents of historical value. Authorizes the legislature to accepts gifts of items of historical value and contributions to purchase items of historical value on behalf of the state. SECTION 2. Requires this constitutional amendment to be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 4, 1997. Sets forth the required language for the ballot. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES There were no committee changes.