The bill would amend the Government Code to update the list of historic sites under the Texas Historical Commission (THC)'s jurisdiction and transfer
jurisdiction over and responsibility for the preservation, maintenance, and repair of from the Texas Facilities Commission to THC. THC would be required to establish historic themes and interpretive storylines for each historic site. The bill would designate certain markers, medallions, or plaques as "official Texas historical markers" and give THC jurisdiction over and responsibility for the preservation, maintenance and repair of the markers.
The bill would require THC to designate certain organizations, including the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission, as entities responsible for providing services and other benefits to THC or a historic site operated by THC. The bill would also require THC to designate the Washington-on-the Brazos Historical Foundation as the entity responsible for providing operational and financial support for the certain historic sites listed in the bill. The bill would allow THC to authorize the organizations to charge and collect fees in connection with the organization's activities at the state historic sites and to collect revenue from gift shop and concession sales. The revenue from these fees and sales could only be used for the benefit of THC.
The bill would require annual audits for organizations included in the subchapter to be filed with THC. THC would also direct the organizations use of funds. Organizations would not be allowed to utilize funds for any form of political influence, or allow a state employee to directly spend or obligate funds.
The bill would also allow THC to purchase goods for resale necessary to support their retail operations using general revenue available to them until sufficient money is available in THC's retail operations fund, which is held outside the state treasury, to fully support their retail operations.
It is assumed that any costs associated with the bill could be absorbed using existing resources.
It is also assumed revenues generated from fees and sales at state historic sites would have no significant fiscal impact to the state.
Note: This legislation would do one or more of the following: create or recreate a dedicated account in the General Revenue Fund, create or recreate a special or trust fund either in, with, or outside the Treasury, or create a dedicated revenue source. The fund, account, or revenue dedication included in this bill would be subject to funds consolidation review by the current Legislature.
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.