BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 281

By: Zaffirini

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Mila Gibson, a commissioner for the Texas Commission on the Arts and constituent living in Nolan County, points out that the process for the selection of the Texas state musician has allowed the legislature to recognize the outstanding contributions made by our state's amazing artists. However, amazing classical artists have rarely been recognized with the honor. Since 1973, 18 artists have been named Texas state musician, but only two were from the classical field. Although numerous classical musicians are nominated (many with international recognition), it is very difficult for them to compete with nonclassical musicians such as Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, and George Strait. Texas musicians who achieve international fame in the genres of opera, symphony, classical piano, choral music, jazz, etc. typically do not have the mass media coverage of pop or country western musicians. S.B. 281 seeks to address this issue by providing for a Texas state musician for the classical and nonclassical genres.

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

S.B. 281 amends the Government Code to split the designation of the Texas state musician into two designations as follows:

· a Texas state musician for the classical genre; and

· a Texas state musician for the nonclassical genre.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2023.