SRC-JBJ S.B. 1327 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 1327
By: Gallegos
State Affairs
6/21/1999
Enrolled


DIGEST 

Currently, the Texas Historical Commission (commission) provides leadership
and coordinates services regarding archeological and historic preservation.
In providing assistance, the commission may not offer more than $20,000 for
a project without the approval of the advisory board of the commission.
S.B. 1327 will require the commission to implement a program to promote
tourism for heritage and cultural attractions in the state and to delete
the prohibition against spending more than $20,000. 

PURPOSE

As enrolled, S.B. 1327 requires the Texas Historical Commission to promote
tourism for heritage and cultural attractions. 

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 442.005, Government Code, by adding Subsections
(t) and (u), to require the Texas Historical Commission (commission) to
promote tourism for heritage and cultural attractions in the state.  Sets
forth requirements for the program.  Authorizes the commission to maintain
its historical sites and structures, use its resources to develop the
sites, and accept advertisements in selected agency publications at a rate
that offsets development and production costs. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Sections 442.015(b), (c), and (f), Government Code, to
authorize the commission to use money in the Texas preservation trust fund
account for planning and educational activities leading to the preservation
of certain historic property.  Deletes text providing that the commission
may not provide financial assistance in an amount over $20,000 for a
project without the approval of the advisory board of the commission. 

SECTION 3.Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 4.Emergency clause.