SRC-JEC H.B. 1924 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1924 77R6055 BDH-DBy: Haggerty (Shapleigh) Veteran Affairs & Military Installations 4/27/2001 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE In 1999, Major General Dennis D. Cavin authorized the relocation of the Fort Bliss Museum (museum) from its 25-year-old temporary location to a modern 108,000 square foot building in the heart of the Fort Bliss shopping area. The new facility will be accessible to the public and will showcase the history of the United States air defense system and provide educational activities. H.B. 1924 authorizes the Texas Historical Commission to assist Fort Bliss Military Reservation in the establishment and operation of the museum and study center. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 442, Government Code, by adding Section 442.0087, as follows: Sec. 442.0087. FORT BLISS MUSEUM AND STUDY CENTER. (a) Authorizes the Texas Historical Commission (commission) to assist Fort Bliss Military Reservation in El Paso in the establishment and operation at Fort Bliss of a museum and study center devoted to the history of the United States air defense system. (b) Authorizes the commission, in order to accomplish the purposes of this section, to seek and accept gifts, grants, and donations of funds or property from public and private sources, including seeking available federal funds, and contribute funds appropriated to the commission for the purpose. (c) Authorizes the commission to provide assistance and contribute funds under this section only if the commission receives appropriate assurances that, subject to the security requirements of the military reservation, the museum and study center will be open for use by the general public. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.