AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The Alamo sits on some of the most hallowed ground in Texas and has been deemed the "Shrine of Texas Liberty" by the legislature. It is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable landmarks of liberty on the planet, where Texans first stood their ground so we could be free. The Alamo is the story of Texas and it should always be maintained, cared for, and owned by Texans.
The intent of S.B. 191 is to prohibit a foreign entity from owning, managing, or controlling the Alamo. That includes foreign corporations, foreign governments, and international organizations formed under the laws of another country.
There is currently nothing in statute preventing a foreign-owned entity from managing, maintaining, or controlling the Alamo. S.B. 191 amends Section 31.451 (Preservation and Maintenance of Alamo) of the Natural Resources Code to prohibit the Texas General Land Office (GLO), which oversees the Alamo, from entering into an agreement that vests any ownership, control, or management of the Alamo complex in an entity formed under the laws of another country. While it would probably take approval by the legislature to transfer ownership of the Alamo, GLO does have stewardship regarding control, maintenance, and management.
S.B. 191 also provides reassurance to the people of Texas that pursuit of a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation by San Antonio officials will not compromise the state's ability to maintain, manage, and own the Alamo.
A couple of preservation groups have expressed concerns about how S.B. 191 could affect their pursuit of the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for the Alamo. This bill does not include any mechanism that would specifically prevent the Alamo from receiving such a designation.
As proposed, S.B. 191 amends current law relating to a prohibition on ownership, control, or management of the Alamo complex by a foreign entity.
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 31.451, Natural Resources Code, by adding Subsection (e), as follows:
(e) Prohibits the Texas General Land Office from entering into an agreement that vests any ownership, control, or management of the Alamo complex in an entity formed under the laws of another country.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2015.