BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 5616
	By: Howard et al. (Johnson)
	Economic Development
	5/23/2025
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The bill author has informed the committee that, as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, Texas stands uniquely positioned to lead in commemorating this historic milestone. Texas is the only state with three presidential libraries, which honor the legacies of Lyndon B. Johnson, George H. W. Bush, and George W. Bush. The bill author has further informed the committee that these institutions preserve the history of American leadership, democracy, and the enduring principles of freedom, service, and national unity. H.B. 5616 seeks to foster civic pride, historical literacy, and economic growth throughout Texas by proposing a partnership between the three presidential foundations to educate, inspire, and engage Texans in reflecting on the foundations of our democracy and the pivotal role the state and its leaders have played in shaping our nation's history. 

H.B. 5616 amends current law relating to the Texas presidential library promotion program and fund.

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 Chapter 442, Government Code, by adding Subchapter H, as follows:

SUBCHAPTER H. TEXAS PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY PROMOTION AND

FUND

Sec. 442.301. DEFINITIONS. Defines "fund," "commission," and "program."

Sec. 442.302. TEXAS PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY PROMOTION PROGRAM. (a) Requires the Texas Historical Commission (THC) to establish the Texas presidential library promotion program (program) to recognize that the presidential libraries in this state are vital historical and educational resources that attract visitors from across the country and contribute to this state's cultural and economic landscape and to provide funding and support to the presidential libraries, promote tourism, and educate the public on the contributions of the presidents from this state.

(b) Provides that the program is established to support certain presidential libraries in this state.

(c) Requires the program to provide financial support to the presidential libraries for the renovation and enhancement of permanent exhibits, market and promote the presidential libraries to increase tourism to and public awareness of the libraries, and in collaboration with the presidential libraries, develop a mobile exhibit to be displayed in communities, schools, and other public institutions that features for each president significant artifacts, multimedia presentations, and educational materials and highlights the historical impact and legacies of President Lyndon B. Johnson, President George H. W. Bush, and President George W. Bush.

(d) Authorizes THC to enter into a contract with a nonprofit entity for the nonprofit entity to administer and operate the program.

Sec. 442.303. TEXAS PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY PROMOTION FUND. (a) Provides that the Texas presidential library promotion fund (fund) is a dedicated account in the general revenue fund.

(b) Requires that certain amounts be deposited in the fund.

(c) Provides that money in the fund is authorized to be spent only for a purpose described by this subchapter.

SECTION 2. Requires THC, as soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, to establish the program as required by Section 442.302, Government Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2025.