BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 5616

By: Howard

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

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.

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

H.B. 5616 amends the Government Code to require the Texas Historical Commission, as soon as practicable after the bill's effective date, to establish the Texas presidential library promotion program to do the following:

· recognize that the Texas presidential libraries are vital historical and educational resources that attract visitors from across the country and contribute to the cultural and economic landscape of Texas;

· provide funding and support to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum, the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, and the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum;

· promote tourism; and

· educate the public on the contributions of the presidents from Texas.

H.B. 5616 requires the program to do the following:

· 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:

o features for each president significant artifacts, multimedia presentations, and educational materials; and

o highlights the historical impact and legacies of President Lyndon B. Johnson, President George H. W. Bush, and President George W. Bush.

The bill authorizes the commission to enter into a contract with a nonprofit entity for that entity to administer and operate the program.

H.B. 5616 creates the Texas presidential library promotional fund as a dedicated account in the general revenue fund and requires the following amounts to be deposited in the fund:

· money appropriated by the legislature to the fund for the bill's purposes;

· interest earned on the investment of money in the fund; and

· gifts, grants, and other donations received for the fund.

The bill authorizes money in the fund to be spent for a purpose described by the bill's provisions.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2025.