BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

                                                                                                                                      C.S.H.B. 317

                                                                                                                                              By: Pena

                                                                                                                                       State Affairs

                                                                                                        Committee Report (Substituted)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

Cinco de Mayo marks the victory of Mexican forces over the French armies of Archduke Maximilian of Austria at Puebla. On May 5th, 1862 General Ignacio Zaragoza, a Tejano from Goliad, led an outnumbered Mexican militia to victory against the invading French forces.  Although the French forces and Maximilian occupied Mexico for several years, the victory at the Battle of Puebla then and now serves as an inspiration and matter of pride for Mexicans and Tejanos alike. 

 

Texas, whether in the Mexican Era, the era of the independent Republic, or as a modern state of the American Republic, is filled with a rich cultural history that makes our state unique;  Texans are proud of that cultural tapestry.  By designating May 5th as Tejano Heritage Day we have an opportunity to honor the impact of all Tejanos in addition to the heroic acts of Tejano General Zaragoza.  As demographics in Texas continue to shift to an increasingly Mexican-American population it is important that schools and other organizations recognize the history of Tejanos and the important contributions Tejanos continue to make in the State of Texas and the world. This bill gives all Texans, including our school children, the opportunity to learn more about the culture and history of this fine state. 

 

This bill is designed strictly for recognition purposes.  Other recognition days include Sam Rayburn Day, Father of Texas Day, and First Responders Day.  These recognition days highlight important figures that have made and continue to make  significant contributions to Texas.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. 

 

ANALYSIS

 

Subchapter C, Chapter 662 of the Government Code is amended by adding Section 662.051, designating May 5th as Tejano Heritage Day and requiring regular observation by appropriate programs and activities.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2005.

 

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

 

CSHB 317 strikes Section 1, which had named the bill the Jesus Bazan/Antonio Longoria Act, from original bill and renumbers appropriately.