SRC-JXG S.B. 494 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 494
By: Harris
Administration
7/6/1999
Enrolled


DIGEST 

Currently, Texas law authorizes the State Preservation Board to restore,
preserve, and maintain the Capitol, General Land Office Building, their
contents, and their grounds. Under the 75th Legislature, the board assumed
the property management functions of the Capitol, Capitol Extension and the
General Land Office Building and their grounds. S.B. 494 will elaborate on
the functions, powers, and duties of the board regarding the Texas State
History Museum, Woodlawn, and additional visitors' services. 
  
PURPOSE

As enrolled, S.B. 494 sets forth the functions, powers and duties of the
State Preservation Board regarding to the Texas State History Museum,
Woodlawn, and additional visitors' services. 

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 443.004(b), Government Code, to require the State
Preservation Board (board) to meet at the call of the governor, rather than
at least quarterly each year. Sets forth required qualifications for the
architect of the Capitol. 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 443.005, Government Code, to authorize the
executive director of the board, rather than the board, to employ an
architect of the Capitol, who serves under the direction of the executive
director. Sets forth required qualifications for the architect of the
Capitol.   

SECTION 3. Amends Sections 443.0051(a) and (b), Government Code, to set
forth requirements for the executive director, including to provide that
the annual budget and work plan is consistent with the master plan for,
rather than of the architect of, the Capitol. Deletes text regarding duties
of the architect. Makes a nonsubstantive change. 

SECTION 4. Amends Chapter 443, Government Code, by adding Section 443.0054,
as follows: 

Sec. 443.0054. COMPENSATORY TIME FOR EMPLOYEES EXEMPT FROM FLSA. Requires
the board to allow compensatory time off in accordance with a schedule
adopted by the board for hours worked in a week in which the combination of
hours worked, paid leave, and holidays exceeds a total of 40 hours, for
employees who are not subject to the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor
Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. Section 201 et seq.), as amended. 

SECTION 5. Amends Section 443.006(b), Government Code, to delete text
regarding the original documents relating to the buildings' construction
and alteration. 

SECTION 6. Amends Section 443.007(a), Government Code, to require the board
to maintain records, rather than archives. Makes conforming changes.  

SECTION 7. Amends Section 443.007(d), Government Code, to authorize the
board to purchase  insurance policies to insure any personal property,
including insurance covering historical artifacts, art, or other items on
loan to the board. Deletes text regarding construction or preservation
projects.  

SECTION 8. Amends Chapter 443, Government Code, by adding Section 443.0072,
as follows: 

Sec. 443.0072. POWERS AND DUTIES RELATING TO OTHER BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS.
Provides that the board has the same powers and duties it has in regard to
the Capitol and the General Land Office Building, except as expressly
limited by law in regard to any buildings, contents, or grounds over which
the board has jurisdiction. 

SECTION 9. Amends Section 443.0101, Government Code, by adding Subsection
(e), to require the net proceeds from pay station telephones in the Capitol
or another building under the jurisdiction of the board to be deposited to
the credit of the Capitol fund.  

SECTION 10. Amends Chapter 443, Government Code, by adding Section
443.0103, as follows: 

Sec. 443.0103. CAPITOL RENEWAL FUND. Provides that the Capitol renewal
account is a special account in the general revenue fund and consists of
money appropriated for the purpose of the account. Authorizes money in the
account to be used only for the purpose of maintaining the Capitol, the
General Land Office Building, their contents and their grounds. Requires
the pro rata portion of interest received from investment of money in the
general revenue fund to be credited to the account. Provides that the
account is exempt from the application of Sections 403.095 and 404.071.  
 
SECTION 11. Amends Section 443.016(a), Government Code, to authorize only
plants and trees indigenous to this state to be used in landscaping work,
except as otherwise provided by this section, to the extent reasonable and
practical, rather than possible. Authorizes the board to authorize the use
of specimens of nonindigenous plants that have historical significance in
relation to the Capitol grounds. Deletes text regarding the Capitol
architect. 

SECTION 12. Amends Section 443.021, Government Code, as follows:

Sec. 443.021. New heading: STATE HISTORY MUSEUM. Provides that the board is
authorized to govern and operate a state history museum. 

SECTION 13. Amends Section 443.023, Government Code, to provide that Title
10D does not apply to a purchase or lease under this chapter.  Requires the
executive director to notify the board in writing of any expenditures in
excess of $15,000 made under this chapter.  Reinstates previously deleted
text regarding the executive director. 

SECTION 14. Amends Chapter 443, Government Code, by adding Sections
443.025-443.027, as follows: 

Sec. 443.025. WOODLAWN. Provides that title to the historic property
Woodlawn, also commonly known as Pease Mansion and Shivers Mansion, located
at No. 6 Niles Road in Austin, is in the name of the board. Requires the
board to preserve, maintain, restore, and furnish the building, its
contents, grounds, and otherwise provide for use of the building and
grounds. Authorizes the board to set and collect a fee for the use of
Woodlawn for special activities. Requires the board to deposit money
received under this subsection to the credit of the Capitol fund. 

Sec. 443.026. TOURS. Authorizes the board to provide for public tours of
the Capitol and other buildings and grounds under the jurisdiction of the
board. Authorizes the board to provide for the transportation of visitors
within the Capitol complex and between the buildings and grounds subject to
the jurisdiction of the board. Authorizes the board to participate in
providing for the transportation of visitors between the buildings and
grounds subject to the jurisdiction of the board and other historic and
cultural sites, in cooperation with other public and private authorities.
Authorizes the board to set and collect a fee for transportation under this
section. Requires the board to deposit money received under this
subsection to the credit of the Capitol fund. 

Sec. 443.027. PUBLICATIONS AND PUBLICITY. Provides that the publicity of
the buildings, contents, and grounds subject to the jurisdiction of the
board is essential to the board's statutory objectives. Authorizes the
board to employ public relations personnel, and publish or contract for the
publication of brochures, books, and periodicals intended for the general
public that are promotional, informational, or educational. Authorizes the
board to sell at prices set by the board publications printed under this
section. 

SECTION 15. Amends Title 4D, Government Code, by adding Chapter 445, as
follows: 

CHAPTER 445.  TEXAS STATE HISTORY MUSEUM

Sec. 445.001.  MUSEUM.  Provides that the Bob Bullock Texas State History
Museum (museum) is established for the purpose of educating and engaging
visitors in the exciting and unique story of Texas and displaying  objects
and information relating to the history of Texas.  Requires the museum to
provide exhibits, programs, and activities that support the education of
public school students in the essential knowledge and skills developed and
adopted under Chapter 28, Education Code.  Provides that the museum is not
subject to the provisions of Section 2165.005. 

Sec.  445.002.  GOVERNANCE.  Requires the board to govern and provide for
the operation of the museum.  Provides that the board and the executive
director of the board have the same powers and duties in relation to the
museum that they have in regard to other facilities and programs under
Chapter 443, except to the extent of conflict with this chapter.  Requires
the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of
representatives, in their capacities as members of the board, to each
appoint one person to an advisory committee to assist and advise the board
in governing and operating the museum.  Provides that a member of the board
is eligible to serve on the advisory committee. 

Sec. 445.003. VENDING FACILITIES.  Authorizes the museum to operate certain
areas. Provides that Chapter 94, Human Resources Code, does not apply to
vending facilities operated by or approved for operation in the museum.   

Sec.  445.004.  THEATERS; FILMS AND OTHER PRODUCTS.  Authorizes the museum
to operate one or more film theaters, including a large-format theater.
Authorizes the museum to exhibit commercially produced entertainment films
in museum theaters, in addition to films connected with Texas history.
Authorizes the museum to develop and produce films and other products and
to retain royalties or otherwise receive revenue from the production,
distribution, exhibition, or sale of those films or products. 

Sec. 445.005.  MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS.  Provides that marketing and
publicity of the museum's exhibits, programs, and activities is essential
to the museum's statutory objectives.  Authorizes the museum to employ
public relations personnel, publish brochures, books, and periodicals
intended for the general public that are promotional, informational, or
educational, and advertise the museum in any available media, for that
purpose. 

Sec. 445. 006.  TOURS; PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION.  Authorizes the museum
to provide parking  for visitors and, in cooperation with other public and
private authorities, to participate in providing for tour transportation of
visitors between other historical and cultural sites. 

Sec. 445.007.  PRIVATE EVENTS.  Authorizes the museum to rent all or part
of the museum facility at various times for private events.  Authorizes the
museum to restrict public access to that part of the facility rented for a
private event. Authorizes the museum to provide for the sale, gift,
possession, and consumption of alcoholic beverages at a private event held
in the facility. 

 Sec. 445.008.  INSURANCE.  Authorizes the museum to purchase insurance
policies to insure the museum buildings and contents and other personal
property against any insurable risk. 
 
Sec. 445.009.  CONTRACTS. Authorizes the museum to contract with public or
private entities to the extent necessary or convenient to the operation of
the museum's exhibits, programs, activities, and facilities. 
 
Sec.  445.010. PROGRAM AND FACILITY ACCESSIBILITY.  Requires the museum to
comply with federal and state laws related to program and facility
accessibility.  Requires the museum to prepare and maintain a written plan
that describes how a person who does not speak English can be provided
reasonable access to the museum's programs and services. 

Sec. 445.011. FUNDING.  Requires the costs of operating the museum to be
paid from revenues generated by the museum, but the legislature may
appropriate funds for the operation of the museum, to the extent possible.
Requires the museum to solicit and to accept gifts of money or items from
individuals and from public or private foundations and organizations.
Authorizes the museum to set and collect fees in amounts necessary to
provide for the operation of museum fee for certain areas.  Authorizes the
museum to sell at prices set by the museum items manufactured or
publications printed under contract with the museum.  Provides that all net
revenue collected by the museum under this chapter to be credited to the
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum Fund (fund).  Provides that the
transactions, funds, and programs of the museum are subject to audit by the
state auditor in accordance with Chapter 321. 

Sec. 445.012.  MUSEUM FUND. Requires money and securities received by the
museum to be held in trust outside the treasury by the comptroller in a
special fund to be known as the fund.  Authorizes the museum to spend money
received by the museum for any purpose connected with the museum.  Requires
the comptroller to manage and invest the fund on behalf of the museum as
directed or agreed to by the museum.  Requires interest, dividends, and
other income of the fund to be credited to the fund.  Requires the museum
to prepare a detailed annual report on the fund.  Requires that report to
describe the status of the fund, and list all donations to the fund.
Requires the state auditor to annually review the annual report on the
fund, and any information used in preparing the report as the auditor
determines necessary, and to report any findings or recommendations to the
museum and the legislative audit committee.  Provides that the fund is not
subject to Chapter 404F.  Provides that a provision of this chapter or
other law that provides for the deposit of money or another thing of value
into the fund prevails over Chapter 404F.  Provides that Title 10D does not
apply to a purchase or lease made with money from the fund.  

Sec.  445.013.  SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS.  Authorizes the museum to establish
and maintain one or more organizations of persons interested in supporting
the programs and activities of the museum.  Authorizes such organization to
be incorporated as a Texas nonprofit corporation. 

SECTION 16. Repealer: Section 415.117(b), Government Code (Duties).
  Repealer: Section 443.003(e), Government Code (Membership).

SECTION 17.  Provides that the museum established under Chapter 445,
Government Code, as added by Section 15 of this Act is dedicated to former
Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock in recognition of his contribution to the
people of the State of Texas through a life of public service and in
recognition of his vision in proposing and securing funding for the museum.
Requires the board to install in a prominent place in the museum a plaque
commemorating the dedication of the museum to Bob Bullock. 

SECTION 18. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.