HBA-MPM H.B. 889 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 889 By: Lewis, Glenn Higher Education 3/30/1999 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Through acquisitions and donations, Prairie View A&M University has accumulated school records, artifacts, and other memorabilia relating to the cultural history of African-Americans in the state of Texas. It is well positioned to serve as the institution to study the lives and times of AfricanAmericans in this state. H.B. 889 provides for the creation of an Institute for Preservation of History and Culture at Prairie View A&M, to be overseen by the university's board of regents. This bill further sets forth the mission of the institute, as well as its area of focus, which is the history, contributions, and role of African-Americans in Texas history and culture RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 87, Education Code, by adding Section 87.106, as follows: Sec. 87.106. INSTITUTE FOR PRESERVATION OF HISTORY AND CULTURE. (a) Requires the board of regents (board) of the Texas A&M University System to establish an institute for the preservation of Texas and American history and culture (institute) at Prairie View A&M University. Provides that the organization, control, and management of the institute is vested in the board, and that the employment of personnel and operating budget are subject to board approval. Specifies that an employee of the institute is an employee of Prairie View A&M University. Sets forth the mission of the institute, as well as the institute's area of special emphasis: the history, contributions, and role of African Americans in Texas history and culture. Authorizes the institute to establish and operate a museum, archives, automated systems for data access and retrieval, or similar facilities; and operate educational and awareness programs, particularly for students in public education. Authorizes the board to solicit and accept gifts and grants from a public or private source. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.