BILL ANALYSIS
By: Kolkhorst
Culture, Recreation, & Tourism
Committee Report (Substituted)
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Stephen F. Austin State Park and San Felipe State Historic Site were deeded by the San Felipe de Austin Corporation in 1940, and the park was opened to the public the same year. Located in Austin County, it was here Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas," brought the first families to colonize Texas under a contract with the Mexican Government. From 1824 to 1836, it was the capital of the American colonies in Texas. The park does not have a facility to showcase the historical significance of the park.
This bill directs the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Historical Commission to develop a plan, including architectural designs and budget, for a historical museum and visitor center to be built at the site and to submit the plan to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the Texas House.
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
Requires the Texas Historical Commission (Commission), in coordination with the Parks Wildlife Department (Department), General Land Office, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, to develop a detailed plan for a historical museum and visitors center to be located at or near a historically significant location at the San Felipe State Historic Site, no later than September 1, 2008. This site is located within the Stephen F. Austin State Park. Not later than December 1, 2008, the Commission will be required to submit a report to the Governor, lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house copies on the plan. The report must include a description of any resources necessary to implement the plan.
EFFECTIVE DATE
Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2007.
COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE
C.S.H.B. 3482 specifies that the museum and visitor's center is located at the San Felipe State Historic Site in the Stephen F. Austin State Park. The original version of this bill contained the provision that the Texas Historical Commission (Commission) and the Parks and Wildlife Department work together on this plan. The substitute contains language that allows the Commission to coordinate, as lead agency, with the Department, General Land Office, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Additionally, the substitute clarified the location of the museum and visitors center as being "at or near" a historically significant location "at the San Felipe State Historic Site," located within the Stephen F. Austin State Park. The Substitute requires the Commission only to submit a report to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives.