BILL ANALYSIS
By: Brown, Betty
Culture, Recreation, & Tourism
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Governor James Pinckney Henderson, the first governor of the State of Texas, was born in Lincolnton, North Carolina, on March 31, 1808. He attended the University of North Carolina, studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1829. Upon his arrival in Texas, he was appointed attorney general of the Republic under Sam Houston.
In 1844 he was sent to Washington, D.C. to work in negotiating a treaty of annexation with the United States. Henderson was elected Governor of Texas in November 1845 and took oath of office in February 1846. With the declaration of the Mexican War and the organization of Texas volunteers, the governor asked permission of the legislature to take personal command of the troops in the field. After the war he resumed his duties as governor but refused to run for a second term. He returned to private law practice in 1847.
HB 2779 establishes March 31 as Governor James Pinckney Henderson Remembrance Day to honor him.
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. HB 2779 amends Section 662.055, Subchapter C, Government Code, by adding subsection (a) to designate March 31 as Governor James Pinckney Henderson Remembrance Day to honor his life and achievements.
Section 662.055(b) outlines requirements governing observance by appropriate programs and activities in the public schools and other places to commemorate the life and achievement of the first governor of Texas, and to inspire a greater appreciation of the history of the state.
SECTION 2. Effective Date.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2007