BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 519

By: Middleton

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The bill sponsor has informed the committee that while Texas history is a vital part of Texans' cultural identity and heritage, there has been a decline in recent years with respect to students' engagement with that history. The bill sponsor has further informed the committee that this decline is compounded by efforts to rewrite or minimize Texas' historical significance, leading to concerns that future generations may lack a deep understanding and appreciation of the state's rich past. S.B. 519 seeks to address this issue and encourage the study and appreciation of Texas history among young Texans by creating the Texas History Grant Program, administered by the Texas Historical Commission.

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. 519 amends the Government Code to require the Texas Historical Commission to create and administer a grant program to support the purpose of promoting educational engagement with the history of Texas. The bill requires the grants to be awarded annually to nonprofit entities that host a statewide Texas history competition for school-aged students and that publish works on Texas history written by students or faculty members. The bill requires the commission to do the following:

· establish procedures to administer the grant program, including, not later than October 1, 2025, procedures for applying for a grant;

· enter into a contract that includes performance requirements with each grant recipient; and

· monitor and enforce the terms of the contract.

The bill authorizes the commission, in addition to funds appropriated by the legislature, to solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations from any public or private source for the purpose of awarding grants under the bill's provisions.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2025.