BILL ANALYSIS
By: Hilderbran
Culture, Recreation, & Tourism
Committee Report (Substituted)
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Since 1999, the Texas Legislature has approved $145 million for historic courthouse preservation, helping restore and protect 64 historic courthouses across Texas.
Now that these funds have been committed, it's important for the State of Texas to work with local leaders to protect the state's investment by ensuring restored courthouses are properly maintained.
HB 2902 protects the state dollars already invested by adding to section 442.0082 of the Government Code.
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
SECTION 1 This section amends section 442.0082 of the Government Code by adding (f). The commission shall develop and implement a program to insure that counties receiving funding for courthouse projects continue to maintain, repair and preserve their courthouses so as to protect the investment of state monies. The commission shall provide periodic inspections, technical assistance, and establish county maintenance reporting requirements.
SECTION 2 This section adds maintenance to what monies can be spent on under the historic courthouse preservation program. This section also increases the percentage from one to two and one half percent of the amount appropriated for implemented the historic courthouse preservation program during the state fiscal biennium.
SECTION 3 This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.
EFFECTIVE DATE
This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.
COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE
The substitute make the bill prospective.