Bill Caption

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Historical Commission.

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB1422, Committee Report 1st House, Substituted: a negative impact of ($3,394,678) through the biennium ending August 31, 2021.

Provisions of the bill related to the sale and deaccession of curatorial collection items could result in an indeterminate increase of revenue to a new dedicated account in the General Revenue Fund.

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

HB 1422 would change the sunset provision for the Texas Historical Commission, which is currently set to sunset in 2019, and move it to 2031. This bill also requires the executive director of the commission to create a training manual and to distribute it to all of the members of the commission. HB 1422 also adds several sites under the commission's jurisdiction. The bill would allow the executive director to perform the duties of the commission.

HB 1422 would add several historical sites under the commission's jurisdiction including the Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site, the Lipantitlan State Historic Site, Mission Dolores State Historic Site, Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery sites, National Museum of the Pacific War, the Sam Rayburn House, and the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. This bill would allow state agencies to sell historical artifacts if they are not a part of a qualified collection. The proceeds would be deposited in an account in the general revenue fund. 

There were two pre-filed amendments to HB 1422. Amendment by Representative Cain would require the Historical commission to preserve monuments, memorials, statues, portraits, seals, symbols, bridges, parks, streets, areas, and buildings that are named after a historic figure, historic group, or historic event. The amendment by Representative Martinez would keep the Port Isabel Lighthouse Historic Monument and Park under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks and Wildlife.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action remains neutral on HB 1422 because it does not promote or violate any of our principles.