BILL ANALYSIS
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Senate Research Center |
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AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The latest census data figures indicate that Texas ranks fourth among states with a large Indian population. In Texas, however, that population remains nearly invisible. In fact, most Texas citizens are not aware of the existence of approximately 120 tribes represented by its citizens, three federally recognized Indian tribes, one state recognized tribe, and eight federally funded Indian Education programs in the state. Many members of the American Indian community find it inappropriate to celebrate a day honoring Christopher Columbus for discovering a nation of people and not having a holiday paying tribute to the people of those nations. Currently, there is no state designated day of recognition for American Indian Heritage Day. H.B. 174 establishes such a day in Texas, paying tribute to the presence and contributions of American Indian communities in Texas.
H.B. 174 amends current law relating to creating American Indian Heritage Day.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 662, Government Code, by adding Section 662.056, as follows:
Sec. 662.056. AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE DAY. (a) Provides that the last Friday in September is American Indian Heritage Day in recognition of the historic, cultural, and social contributions American Indian communities and leaders have made to this state.
(b) Requires that American Indian Heritage Day be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs in the public schools and other places to honor American Indians in this state and to celebrate the rich traditional and contemporary American Indian culture.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2013.