HBA-KDB H.B. 2061 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2061
By: Wilson
House Administration
3/4/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND 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.
House Bill 2061 establishes a historical representation advisory committee. 

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. 

ANALYSIS

 House Bill 2061 amends the Government Code to create the historical
representation advisory committee (advisory committee).  The bill requires
the advisory committee to provide guidance to the State Preservation Board
(board), the Texas Historical Commission, and the General Services
Commission to ensure that the diverse history of Texas is accurately
represented in the Capitol Complex and on other land owned by the state.
The advisory committee consists of  nine members, who are to be appointed
no later than January 1, 2002,  three of whom are appointed by the
governor, three appointed by the lieutenant governor, and three appointed
by the speaker of the house of representatives (public officials).  The
bill requires the public officials, in making the appointments, to attempt
to include African American Texans, Hispanic American Texans, and Native
American Texans.  The bill provides that a member of the advisory committee
serves at the pleasure of the appointing officer and serves without
compensation or reimbursement of expenses.  The bill requires the advisory
committee to meet and elect a presiding officer from its members, and to
conduct other meetings the advisory committee considers necessary to
provide guidance.  The bill requires the board to provide necessary
administrative support to the advisory committee.  The bill requires the
advisory committee to develop its own bylaws under which it is required to
operate.  Current law in effect governing state agency advisory committees
does not apply to the advisory committee.  The bill requires the advisory
committee to collect information relating to each monument in the Capitol
Complex and on other land owned by the state, and to develop a plan in
cooperation with Prairie View A&M University that ensures the historical
accuracy of each monument, equitable representation of the military service
of all Texans, and equitable representation of African slaves, African
Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans in monuments in the
Capitol Complex and other land owned by the state. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2001.