AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

S.B. 111 helps build greater awareness of Texas' unique historic places and encourage the long-term preservation of significant cultural resources that have survived in Texas communities for many generations.

 

S.B. 111 allows the Texas Historical Commission (THC) the ability to designate certain historical buildings as Texas Historical Use Buildings.  This designation can be given to any Texas building that has continuously served a community for at least 150 years.  S.B. 111 gives THC another tool in preserving historic sites in communities across Texas. 

 

During the 82nd Legislature, Regular Session, 2011, more than $5 million from the Preservation Trust Fund was redirected to cover the operating cost of THC, rather than for historic preservation grants.

 

As proposed, S.B. 111 amends current law relating to the preservation of Texas Historical Use Buildings.

 

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 442.001, Government Code, by amending Subdivision (3) to redefine "historic structure" and adding Subdivision (4) to define "Texas Historical Use Building."

 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 442.015(b), Government Code, to authorize the Texas Historical Commission (THC) to use money in the Texas preservation trust fund account to provide financial assistance to public or private entities for the acquisition, survey, restoration, or preservation, or for planning and educational activities leading to the preservation, of historic property in the state that is listed in the National Register of Historic Places or designated as a State Archeological Landmark or Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, that THC determines is eligible for such listing or designation, or that is a Texas Historical Use Building.

 

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2013.