BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 907
	By: Hughes
	Administration
	4/13/2019
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The only known remaining boundary marker for the Republic of Texas stands along Texas State Highway 31 near Deadwood, Texas. This four-foot tall, granite piece was placed in 1841 as a designated boundary line between the United States and the Republic of Texas. With the inscriptions still visible in the stone, this is monument is considered a treasure from a period of Texas history that has very few tangible pieces surviving. The marker is flanked by a Texas Historical Marker, but its only protection from time, weather, and the threat of vandalism is an short, old, rusting, iron fence. The importance of preserving this relic of our state's history is at risk and is an ongoing concern.

Contingent upon funding through private donations, S.B. 907 will direct the Texas Historical Commission to protect and preserve the International Boundary Marker. This bill ensures the boundary marker stays in high visibility to the public, including any facilities needed to adequately display and protect the marker and accommodate the public.

As proposed, S.B. 907 amends current law relating to the preservation and improvement of the Republic of Texas Granite Boundary Marker.

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 C, Chapter 442, Government Code, by adding Section 442.078, as follows:

Sec. 442.078. REPUBLIC OF TEXAS GRANITE BOUNDARY MARKER. (a) Defines "Republic of Texas Granite Boundary Marker."

(b) Requires the Texas Historical Commission (THC) to:

(1) design and build facilities sufficient to accommodate visitors and protect, preserve, and display the Republic of Texas Granite Boundary Marker;

(2) develop and display historical and educational information and exhibits at the site to educate the public on the history of the marker and the region;

(3) cooperate with the federal government as necessary to facilitate the powers and responsibilities granted in this section; and

(4) take other action as necessary to preserve, maintain in a state of suitable repair, restore, and develop the Republic of Texas Granite Boundary Marker and the grounds immediately surrounding the marker, in the manner determined by THC, for the beautification and cultural enhancement of the property as a significant Texas historical site.

(c) Provides that any power or duty related to the Republic of Texas Granite Boundary Marker formerly vested in another state agency or entity is vested solely in THC.

(d) Requires THC to spend the money the legislature appropriates for purposes of this section to accomplish those purposes.

(e) Authorizes THC to solicit and accept gifts, donations, and grants of money or property from any public or private source to be used for the purposes of this section.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2019.