BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	C.S.H.B. 2968
84R31579 YDB-D	By: Guillen et al. (Menéndez)
	Natural Resources & Economic Development
	5/21/2015
	Committee Report (Substituted)

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Interested parties contend that the Alamo, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world and a historical treasure of the state, and its surrounding area are not being fully utilized to reflect the Alamo's significance as a cultural asset. Furthermore, these parties assert that the lack of commercial development in the area has resulted in the general disinterest and disappointment of Alamo visitors. The parties assert that the Alamo holds the potential to be a world-class tourist attraction and an economic asset to the state. C.S.H.B. 2968 seeks to address this issue.

C.S.H.B. 2968 amends current law relating to the preservation of the Alamo complex.

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 Subchapter I, Chapter 31, Natural Resources Code, by adding Section 31.450, as follows:

Sec. 31.450. FINDINGS. (a) Provides that the legislature finds that:

(1) the Alamo has played an important role in the history of this state and continues to be a symbol of liberty and freedom for this state;

(2) this state wants to honor the individuals whose lives were lost at the Alamo;

(3) the entire history of the Alamo, from the time the Alamo was established as a mission until the present, should be recognized; and

(4) the Alamo is a world-class destination that provides a place of remembrance and education.

(b) Provides that the Texas General Land Office (land office) is encouraged to consult and coordinate with the City of San Antonio on the planning and development of improvements to the Alamo.

SECTION 2. Amends Section 31.455(a), Natural Resources Code, as follows:

(a) Authorizes the land office to establish an Alamo Preservation Advisory Board to provide advice, proposals, and recommendations to promote the development of a world-class site to educate visitors on the history and importance of the Alamo in this state's fight for independence and to honor the people who lost their lives at the Alamo and provide educational and museum facilities, rather than promote and provide, for the preservation, perpetuation, appropriate publication, and display of manuscripts, books, relics, pictures, oral histories, and all other items and information related to the history of the Alamo complex and of this state that preserve the historical character of the Alamo shrine. Makes nonsubstantive changes.

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2015.