BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center	H.B. 2660
87R5827 MWC-D	By: Leman (Kolkhorst)
	Natural Resources & Economic Development
	4/20/2021
	Engrossed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

On March 2, 1836, the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed at Washington on the Brazos. The birthplace of Texas is one of the most sacred sites for Texans. Along with the Alamo and the San Jacinto monument, this site is one of the three major sites of Texas independence. The Star of the Republic commemorates the struggle for independence and honors the momentous occasion that took place 185 years ago.

 

Last session, the Texas Legislature passed legislation about the transfer of the Star of the Republic from Blinn College to the Texas Historical Commission. In the past two years, Blinn College and the Texas Historical Commission have decided that the best path forward is to transfer all the artifacts, structure, and land to the Texas Historical Commission. H.B. 2660 clarifies that the Star of the Republic's artifacts, structure, and land are under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Texas Historical Commission.

 

H.B. 2660 amends current law relating to the jurisdiction and management of the Star of the Republic Museum by the Texas Historical Commission.

 

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 Sections 442.062(a) and (c), Government Code, as follows:

 

(a) Provides that the Star of the Republic Museum (museum) and its contents, artifacts, structure, and land, rather than the museum and its contents, are under the jurisdiction of the Texas Historical Commission (THC).

 

(c) Provides that any power or duty related to the museum, rather than except as provided by Subsection (b) (relating to Blinn College District maintaining ownership of certain components of the museum) and power or duty related to the museum, formerly vested in any other state agency or entity is vested solely in THC.

 

SECTION 2. Repealer: Section 442.062(b) (relating to Blinn College District maintaining ownership of certain components of the museum), Government Code.

 

SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2021.