HBA-JEK S.B. 757 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 757 By: Jackson State Affairs 5/6/2001 Engrossed BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The 76th Legislature designated February 19th of each year as State of Texas Anniversary Remembrance Day (STAR Day) to honor the anniversary of Texas joining the Union and James Pinckney Henderson becoming the first governor of the State of Texas in 1846. STAR Day is regularly observed with patriotic programs in the public schools and other places to commemorate the annexation of this state and to inspire a greater appreciation for Texas history. Senate Bill 757 creates the State of Texas Anniversary Remembrance Day Medal to recognize Texans who have displayed a commitment to public service and to the principles of duty, honor, faith, and devotion to country and family in an exemplary fashion. 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 Senate Bill 757 establishes the State of Texas Anniversary Remembrance Day Medal (medal). The bill requires the medal to be awarded to a resident of the state who has displayed a commitment to the pioneer service principles of duty, honor, faith, and devotion to country and family in an exemplary fashion and who has made outstanding contributions in pioneering the development, growth, and progress of this state through the individual's work in public service. The bill establishes the State of Texas Anniversary Remembrance Day Medal Committee (committee) and sets forth provisions regarding the composition and operation of the committee. The bill also sets forth the terms and provides for the appointment of committee members. The bill requires members of the committee to serve without pay. The governor shall appoint the initial members as soon as possible after September 1, 2001. The bill authorizes an individual to submit recommendations to the committee for review and approval of possible recipients of the medal. The bill prohibits the committee from awarding more than five medals in any one calendar year, except in exceptional circumstances. S.B. 757 also prohibits the committee from awarding more than 10 medals for achievement attained or service rendered before September 1, 2001. S.B. 757 sets forth provisions relating to the design and manufacture of the medal, and requires the governor to present the medal to a recipient in an appropriate ceremony. The bill requires the State of Texas Anniversary Remembrance Day Foundation to be responsible for the funding of the medals through pledges, gifts, donations, or endowments from private sources on the foundation's behalf. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2001.