BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3163

By: Smith

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The San Jacinto Historical Advisory Board was established to review the policies and operations of the San Jacinto Battleground and to advise the Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) on the proper historical development of the battleground. Under current law, the board is composed of the chairman of the Battleship Texas Commission, the president of the San Jacinto Museum of History Association, and three members of the public appointed by the governor for terms of six years each.

The Battleship Texas Commission, established to care for and maintain the battleship USS Texas-BB35, was abolished in 1983 and control of the ship was turned over to TPWD. The Battleship Texas Foundation, a nonprofit organization, was created to assist ongoing preservation and educational efforts aboard the battleship. H.B. 3163 updates the composition of the San Jacinto Historical Advisory Board to reflect the role of the Battleship Texas Foundation and the abolishment of the Battleship Texas Commission.

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

H.B. 3163 amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to clarify that the composition of the San Jacinto Historical Advisory Board includes the chairman of the Battleship Texas Foundation, rather than the chairman of the Battleship Texas Commission.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2013.