Bill Caption

Relating to monuments and memorials for Texas heroes and other persons and events of historical significance; creating criminal offenses.

Fiscal Notes

A negative impact of ($761,594) through the biennium ending August 31, 2019.

The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill. 

Bill Analysis

Under current law, the Texas Facilities Commission is authorized to contract with the Texas Historical Commission regarding issues related to monuments and memorials. HB 1359 would put the Historical commission directly in charge of memorials and would create a criminal offense for memorial vandalism (punishable by a $50-$1,000 fine and three days to one year in jail). This bill would also create a new chapter of code requiring the THC to approve of the erection of new monuments and defining governmental entities with the authority to remove, alter, or relocate a monument. A criminal offense for unauthorized removal, alteration, or relocation would be created.

Vote Recommendation Notes

The administration of monuments and memorials as provided for in this legislation does not affect our liberty principles and we remain neutral.