BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center

H.B. 2079

85R21288 TSR-F

By: Hunter; Howard (Hinojosa)

 

Natural Resources & Economic Development

 

5/12/2017

 

Engrossed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

H.B. 2079 amends the Government Code to require the Texas Historical Commission (THC) to develop a Texas music history trail program to promote and preserve Texas music history. The bill requires the program, at a minimum, to include designation of locations or organizations that are historically significant to Texas' musical heritage; adoption of an icon, symbol, or other identifying device to represent such a designation; the use of the icon, symbol, or other identifying device in promoting tourism around Texas and at the designated locations or organizations; and, to the extent funds are available, the development of itineraries and maps to guide tourists to the designated locations or organizations. The bill requires THC to adopt eligibility criteria for a designation and procedures to administer the program and authorizes THC to enter into a memorandum of understanding, as necessary, with certain specified state entities to implement the bill's provisions. The bill authorizes THC to solicit and accept gifts, grants, and other donations from any source to implement the bill's provisions.

 

H.B. 2079 amends current law relating to the promotion of tourism related to the musical heritage of this state.

 

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 A, Chapter 442, Government Code, by adding Section 442.019, as follows:

 

Sec. 442.019. TEXAS MUSIC HISTORY TRAIL. (a) Requires the Texas Historical Commission (THC) to develop a Texas Music History Trail Program (program) to promote and preserve Texas music history.

 

(b) Requires that the program, at a minimum, include certain aspects relating to the designation, marking, and development of tourism for locations or organizations that are historically significant to this state's musical heritage.

 

(c) Requires THC to adopt eligibility criteria for a designation under this section and procedures to administer the program created under this section.

 

(d) Authorizes THC, as necessary, to implement this section, to enter into a memorandum of understanding with certain state agencies.

 

(e) Authorizes THC to solicit and accept gifts, grants, and other donations from any source to implement this section.

 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2017.