AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Art and culture play an integral role in the rich history of Texas as well as in the state's economic development. Recent reports indicate that the arts and culture industry accounts for billions of dollars in tourism spending, which benefits the Texas economy through increased sales tax revenues and increased job opportunities. Throughout Texas, communities have made efforts to cultivate areas dedicated to culture and art in order to generate economic development. To this end, the Texas Legislature enacted legislation providing for the creation of a cultural and fine arts district program by the Texas Commission on the Arts under which the commission would designate cultural districts across Texas. According to a recent report from the Select Committee on Economic Development which delved into this issue, these districts often become focal points for generating business development, attracting tourists, stimulating cultural development, and fostering civic pride in their communities.
Interested parties observe that the state has the opportunity to promote further growth in the arts and culture industry in Texas by investing in the cultural district program. H.B. 2718 seeks to enable such investment by providing certain authority and assistance to cultural districts with respect to applications for state funding sources.
H.B. 2718 amends current law relating to the cultural and fine arts district program administered by the Texas Commission on the Arts.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 444.031, Government Code, by adding Subsections (c), (d), and (e), as follows:
(c) Authorizes a designated district or, if necessary to comply with federal eligibility requirements, a municipality or county in which a designated district is located on behalf of the district, to apply for state incentives, funding, grants, and loans from state agencies, including the Department of Agriculture, Texas Department of Transportation, and office of the governor.
(d) Requires the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) to assist designated districts, municipalities, and counties in applying under Subsection (c).
(e) Authorizes TCA to amend the boundaries of a designated district to include private sector development.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2013.