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** REVISION ** NOTICE OF FORMAL REQUEST FOR INFORMATION |
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COMMITTEE: Culture, Recreation & Tourism TIME &
DATE: N/A PLACE: N/A
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**This revision extends the deadline for submission from August 14 to September 14, 2020.**
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Due to the ongoing pandemic and the uncertainty as to scheduling interim hearings, the committee is conducting necessary oversight functions through an information gathering process under Section 301.014, Government Code. The committee requests written submissions from interested parties and the public in regards to the assigned Interim Charges below. All submissions are due on September 14, 2020, by 5 pm (CST). Additionally, the committee requests submissions from each of the pertinent agencies with jurisdiction over the assigned Interim Charges. Submissions should be submitted via email to the committee clerk, Jeff Miller, at Jeff.Miller_hc@house.texas.gov and shall be in word format. Submissions should be no longer than five (5) pages in length for each charge. The page limit is inclusive of any photos, graphs, spreadsheets, charts, etc. the submitter chooses to include. Submissions shall include the submitter name, organization or entity (if applicable and an authorized representative), mailing address, email, and telephone number. All submissions will be circulated to each Member of the Committee after the August 14, 2020 deadline. A copy of all received comments will be made available to the public by the Chairman.
The committee seeks responses on all Interim Charges, listed below:
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1. Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 86th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following: · HB 1300 and HB 2321, which relate to the regulation of oyster harvesting and to cultivated oyster mariculture. Monitor the implementation of the cultivated oyster mariculture program, the implementation of increased penalties related to the regulation of oyster harvesting, and the effectiveness of these state laws as related to the protection, conservation, and sustainability of oysters in Texas coastal waters. · HB 1422, which is the Texas Historical Commission (THC) sunset legislation. Monitor the implementation and transfer of certain historical sites from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to the THC, including any additional land acquired by the TPWD and the appropriate coordination with local entities. · SB 1511, which requires the TPWD to contract with a nonprofit organization for the operation and maintenance of the Battleship "Texas." Monitor the efforts to restore the Battleship "Texas" consistent with state law and historic preservation guidelines.
2. Study the impact of the Capitol Complex Master Plan and ongoing construction as it relates to the operation and management of the Texas State History Museum, specifically its visitor admissions, educational programming, exhibit space, and facility rental. Examine the connectivity of the Capitol Complex Master Plan Mall area to ensure a consistent, dynamic, and sustainable relationship with the State Preservation Board, Texas State History Museum, and Texas State Capitol in its programming and use. Evaluate the infrastructure needs of the Texas State Capitol and the Capitol Visitors Center to ensure the ongoing preservation and operational needs of the historical structures and grounds. (Joint charge with the House Committee on House Administration)
3. Evaluate the status of the historical marker application process and the production of cast metal historical markers in the state as overseen by the THC. Examine options for future state historical markers, including technology such as laser etching and durable materials other than metal.
4. Study the effectiveness of hunter education courses with regard to hunters and firearm safety in the state. Explore additional firearm safety resources and their potential use by the TPWD to reduce accidental shootings.
5. Review the effectiveness of the State Historic Preservation Tax Credit on preserving historic structures and revitalizing Texas communities since the tax credit became effective.
6. Monitor the State Auditor's review of agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction. The Chair shall seek input and periodic briefings on completed audits for the 2019 and 2020 fiscal years and bring forth pertinent issues for full committee consideration.
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