BILL ANALYSIS
By: Smith, Wayne
Culture, Recreation, & Tourism
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The San Jacinto Historical Advisory Board was created by the legislature in 1965. The board meets quarterly to review the policies and operations of the San Jacinto Battleground, Battleship Texas, Monument and Museum. The Board then offers advice to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) on the proper historical development of the Park and its assets. Recommendations made concerning the complex interaction between all of these pieces requires input from members with diverse points of view. H.B. 1653 will improve the quality of recommendations to TPWD by including an updated board membership, qualifications and expectations.
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. Amends Section 22 of the Parks and Wildlife code to add the word "Battleground" to the name of the San Jacinto Historical Advisory Board and makes appropriate name changes. Clarifies the membership of the board to include presiding officers, executive directors, or appointed representatives. Adds members of the Texas Historical Commission, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, San Jacinto Battleground Association, and one public member to the board. Requires that the public members appointed by the governor have knowledge about Texas history and have demonstrated an interest in the historical preservation of the battleground. The bill also provides that they serve staggered six year terms, with the terms of one or two members expiring September 1 of each odd-numbered year. One or more of the public members of the board may be selected from the San Jacinto Chapter, Daughters of the Republic of Texas. The board is required to annually elect a presiding officer, vice presiding officer and a secretary. The state senators and representatives whose district includes the battleground is a nonvoting ex officio board members. States that it is ground for the removal of a public member due if the member is absent for three regularly scheduled board meeting during a calendar year without an excuse approved by a majority of the board. Further, the bill requires the Governor to appoint a public member as soon as practicable if a public member position is found vacant. Members may receive reimbursement for actual expenses incurred during the performance of official board duties from funds appropriated to the department. Requires that the advisory board prepare bylaws and take minutes. The bylaws may provide for additional nonvoting ex officio members, and after approval by the board, the bylaws and minutes shall be delivered by the secretary to the commission. Allows the board to conduct an annual commemoration of the Battle of San Jacinto at the battleground and sponsor educational programs pertaining to the battle or the history of the state.
SECTION 2. Transition language stating that the change in law does not affect members serving on the board immediately before the effective date, for the remainder of the member's term. By December 1, 2007 the governor shall appoint a fourth public member of the board, whose term expires September 1, 2013.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2007.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2007.