SRC-BWC H.B. 2061 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2061
77R12782 BDH-DBy: Wilson (Cain)
Administration
5/9/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

There has been much controversy across the nation regarding symbols of
American history that are located on government property.  Currently, in
the state of Texas, there is no historical representation advisory
committee that ensures the diverse history of this state is accurately
represented in the Capitol Complex and on other land owned by the state.
H.B. 2061 establishes a historical representation advisory committee.  

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 443, Government Code, by adding Section
443.0081, as follows: 

Sec. 443.0081.  HISTORICAL REPRESENTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE.  (a) Requires
the historical representation advisory committee (advisory committee), in
order to ensure that the diverse history of Texas is accurately represented
in the Capitol Complex and on other land owned by the state, to provide
guidance to the State Preservation Board (board), the Texas Historical
Commission, and the General Services Commission on the addition of
monuments to the Capitol Complex and other land owned by the state. 

(b)  Provides that the advisory committee consists of 12 certain members.

(c)  Requires the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the
house of representatives, in making appointments under this section, to
attempt to include African American Texans, Hispanic American Texans,
Native American Texans, female Texans, and Texans exemplifying rural
heritage.   

(d)  Requires the governor to designate the presiding officer of the
committee from among the members of the committee.  Provides that the
presiding officer serves a term of two years.  Requires the presiding
officer to serve as the liaison between the committee and the General
Services Commission.   

(e)  Provides that a member of the advisory committee serves at the
pleasure of the appointing officer and serves without compensation or
reimbursement of expenses. 

(f)  Requires the advisory committee to conduct meetings the committee
considers necessary to provide guidance under this section.  Requires the
board to provide necessary administrative support to the advisory
committee.   

(g)  Requires the advisory committee to develop its own bylaws under which
it is required to operate. 
 
  (h)  Provides that Chapter 2110 does not apply to the advisory committee. 

(i)  Provides that the advisory committee is subject to the open meetings
law, Chapter 551.   

(j)  Provides that the advisory committee is subject to Chapter 325 (Texas
Sunset Act). Provides that the advisory committee is abolished September 1,
2013, unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter. 

(k)  Sets forth a list of required duties that are to be performed by the
advisory committee. 

  (l)  Defines "monument."

SECTION 2.  Requires the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker
of the house of representatives to make appointments to the historical
representation advisory committee under Section 443.0081, Government Code,
as added by this Act, not later than January 1, 2002. 

SECTION 3.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.