BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 881
87R5827 MWC-D	By: Kolkhorst
	Natural Resources & Economic Development
	4/12/2021
	As Filed

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 (THC). In the past two years, Blinn College and THC have decided that the best path forward is to transfer all the artifacts, structure, and land to THC. S.B. 881 clarifies that the Star of the Republic's artifacts, structure, and land are under the exclusive jurisdiction of THC.

As proposed, S.B. 881 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 are under the jurisdiction of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), rather than that the museum and its contents are under the jurisdiction of THC.

(c) Provides that any power or duty related to the museum formerly vested in any other state agency or entity is vested solely in THC. Deletes existing text creating an exception under Subsection (b) (relating to the ownership of the museum, the land on which the museum is located, and the artifacts in the museum by Blinn College District).

SECTION 2. Repealer: Section 442.062(b) (relating to the ownership of the museum, the land on which the museum is located, and the artifacts in the museum by Blinn College District), Government Code.

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