88R16531 SCP-D
 
  By: Gervin-Hawkins H.B. No. 4768
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to establishing a grant program for the preservation and
  restoration of, and education regarding, certain landmarks and
  buildings important to African American history in this state.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter A, Chapter 442, Government Code, is
  amended by adding Section 442.034 to read as follows:
         Sec. 442.034.  GRANT PROGRAM FOR HISTORICAL LANDMARKS
  IMPORTANT TO AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY. (a) The commission shall
  establish a grant program to preserve, renovate, and restore
  buildings and landmarks that highlight the history, struggles, and
  triumphs of the African American community in this state.
         (b)  The commission may award grants for the purposes
  described by Subsection (a) to owners of or to individuals or
  nonprofits responsible for the care of a historical landmark or
  building important to the history of the African American community
  in this state. The commission shall establish procedures to
  administer the grant program, including eligibility standards and
  procedures for applying for a grant under this section.
         (c)  A grant recipient may use a grant awarded under this
  section to:
               (1)  preserve, maintain, and restore a historical
  landmark or building important to the history of the African
  American community in this state; and
               (2)  develop educational programs relevant to those
  landmarks and buildings to be used on the site.
         (d)  The commission may solicit gifts, grants, and donations
  from any private or public source for the purposes of this section.
         SECTION 2.  As soon as practicable after the effective date
  of this Act, the Texas Historical Commission shall adopt rules to
  implement Section 442.034, Government Code, as added by this Act.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.