BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1756

By: Burns

County Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Currently, the authority for a county to appropriate money for the purpose of preserving items of historical value in the county is restricted to counties within a narrow population range. Since items of historical value can be found throughout Texas, H.B. 1756 seeks to permit counties of all sizes to appropriate money to preserve such items.

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. 1756 amends the Local Government Code to expand from counties within a certain population range to all counties the authority for the commissioners court to appropriate money from the county general fund to a historical foundation or organization in the county for the purpose of purchasing, constructing, restoring, preserving, maintaining, or reconstructing historical landmarks, buildings, and furnishings that are of historical significance to the county.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2021.