BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center	S.B. 927
86R3400 YDB‑D	By: Hall
	Natural Resources & Economic Development
	4/8/2019
	As Filed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

The Battle of the Alamo was a defining moment in the history of Texas and illustrates the passion the early settlers had for freedom and independence. The battle cry "Remember the Alamo!" still stirs the hearts of patriots who cherish the sacrifice made for our proud and independent state.

 

The Texas General Land Office (GLO) has proposed plans that, in the words of the San Antonio Express News, "create a world-class museum that tells not just the full story of the 1836 battle, but the layers and layers of history at the site. This is a rare chance to redefine how Texas and the world view the Alamo."

 

As the Texas symbol for liberty and freedom, few Texans have a desire to "redefine" how the Alamo is viewed. SB 927 would require the GLO to center the narrative of exhibits within the Alamo compound on the 1836 Battle. It would also require the compound exhibits to feature three aspects of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo: the lives of the defenders, the lasting impact of the Battle on Texas history, the pride of Texans in the heroism of the defenders.

 

The GLO would still be allowed to place exhibits featuring other eras and aspects of the Alamo history, so long as they are not on the Alamo compound grounds. There is legitimate concern that "redefining" the site will fail to portray the significant history of the pivotal 1836 battle, which has so defined the vision and spirit of Texans for almost 200 years. The people of Texas have made it clear that the 1836 Battle of the Alamo is the defining period of history at the site.

 

As proposed, S.B. 927 amends current law relating to exhibits presented at 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 31.4512, as follows:

 

Sec. 31.4512. EXHIBITS IN ALAMO COMPLEX. (a) Defines "Alamo compound" as the area of the Alamo complex consisting of the original Alamo mission compound as designated by the Texas General Land Office (GLO).

 

(b) Requires the GLO to ensure that each exhibit presented in the Alamo compound has as its primary theme the 1836 Battle of the Alamo. Requires the exhibit to include information on:

 

(1) the lives of the individuals who defended the Alamo during the battle and the sacrifices made by those individuals for Texas independence and the freedom of Texans;

 

(2) the impact of the battle on Texas history and culture; and

 

(3) the pride felt by Texans with respect to the individuals who defended the Alamo during the battle.

 

(c) Requires GLO to ensure that an exhibit featuring a historical period or individual unrelated to the 1836 Battle of the Alamo is presented at a location in the Alamo complex other than the Alamo compound.

 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2019.