BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3952

By: Toth

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been suggested that some Texas communities with historically significant sites have limited opportunities to receive historical designations. H.B. 3952 seeks to address this issue by providing additional opportunities for these communities to receive historical designations through a historic sites program administered by the Texas Historical Commission.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 3952 amends the Government Code to require the Texas Historical Commission to identify sites in Texas that are historically significant to the state because significant events occurred at the site that shaped the state's history. The bill authorizes the commission to designate or encourage the designation of such sites through certain existing history programs and to provide information regarding the significance of the designated sites using historical markers and monuments, publications and films, and other appropriate media. The bill authorizes the commission to seek assistance from other state and local governmental entities in carrying out these duties and to seek and accept gifts, grants, and donations from public or private sources, including seeking available federal funds, to accomplish the bill's purposes.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.