BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	C.S.S.B. 1400
86R29121 YDB-D	By: Campbell
	Natural Resources & Economic Development
	4/25/2019
	Committee Report (Substituted)

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

For 80 years, the Alamo Cenotaph known as the "Spirit of Sacrifice" has stood across from the Alamo mission in San Antonio, providing visitors a solemn reminder of the high price paid for freedom. The Cenotaph (which literally means empty tomb) serves as a memorial to the brave fighters who took their last breaths there for Texas independence. There are 187 names of known Alamo defenders etched in stone, and descendants of these Texans can honor their legacy and read the names of ancestors who perished.

As the new Alamo Master Plan comes close to being finalized by the City of San Antonio, much discussion has revolved around the Cenotaph's future and whether or not it should be relocated. It is the intent of S.B. 1400 to preserve and protect Texas history by prohibiting the memorial from being moved from its current location without approval of three critical stakeholders: the commissioner of the General Land Office, the Texas Historical Commission, and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. If consensus exists among these groups, the Cenotaph may then only be moved temporarily for repairs or to another permanent location within Alamo Plaza. (Original Author's/Sponsor's Statement of Intent)

The focus of any visit to the Alamo should be on the defenders who gave their lives there. S.B. 1400 amends Chapter 2166 of the Government Code to create clear guidelines related to the location, maintenance, and permanent preservation of the Alamo Cenotaph. (Original Author's/Sponsor's Statement of Intent)

C.S.S.B. 1400 amends current law relating to the location of the Alamo Cenotaph.

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 K, Chapter 2166, Government Code, by adding Section 2166.5012, as follows:

Sec. 2166.5012. ALAMO CENOTAPH. (a) Defines "Alamo Cenotaph."

(b) Prohibits the City of San Antonio, or any other entity, notwithstanding Subchapter I (Alamo Complex) from moving the Alamo Cenotaph from the location where the cenotaph was first placed following its completion unless:

(1) the move is approved in a public hearing by at least two of the following:

(A) the commissioner of the General Land Office;

(B) one member of the Texas Historical Commission who is designated by the commission to represent the commission; and

(C) one officer of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas who is designated by the organization's officers to represent the organization; and

(2) the cenotaph is moved:

(A) temporarily for repairs; or

(B) permanently to a location within the Alamo Plaza.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2019.