BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

S.B. 202

By: Huffman

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

The Texas Commission on the Arts was created in 1965 as the Texas Fine Arts Commission by the 59th Legislature to foster the development of a receptive climate for the arts in Texas. To advance the state economically and culturally through the arts, the Commission performs three key functions: awards grants annually to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations across the state; designates local communities as cultural districts as a catalyst for economic development; and works with other state entities to promote tourism in Texas.

 

The Commission is subject to the Sunset Act and will be abolished on September 1, 2013, unless continued by the Legislature. As a result of its review of the Commission, the Sunset Advisory Commission recommended continuation of the agency and some statutory modifications that are contained in this legislation.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

 

ANALYSIS

 

Continues the Texas Commission on the Arts.

S.B. 202 changes the Texas Commission on the Arts’ Sunset review date to 2025 to continue the agency for 12 years.

 

Reduces the size of the Commission from 17 to nine members.

S.B. 202 reduces the size of the Commission by eight members and requires commission members to represent a diverse cross-section of arts fields rather than all fields of the arts.  The bill includes instructional provisions to phase in the reduction so that no current members’ terms are cut short and technical changes to reallocate terms to ensure an equal number of appointments every two years.

 

Clarifies the Commission’s authority to award grants.

S.B. 202 clarifies the Commission’s authority to award grants in accordance with its mission to advance the state economically and culturally by investing in the arts in Texas.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

The 91^st day after the last day of the legislative session, or August 26, 2013.