Bill Caption

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, including the custody and ownership of certain state records.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 1962 would push the sunset date for the Texas State Library and Archives Commission to 2031 as it is set to sunset in 2019. This bill would also require the director to create a training manual to be distributed to every member of the commission; allow the commission to use general revenue, grants, donations, gifts, and federal funds to promote commission programs; and create an advisory committee to make recommendations to the commission on programs, rules, and policies regarding delivery of information services. 

Also, this bill would require money received from the sale of replicas of state archives to be deposited to the credit of a dedicated account in the general revenue fund and authorizes those monies to be appropriated only to TSLAC for the purposes of preservation, digitization, archives information services, and education. 

Finally, HB 1962 would reform the Archives system by requiring that the director create a strategic plan regarding the archives. The commission would also be required to create a form for requests of information. This bill creates rules for disclosing correspondence for legislators or the lieutenant governor, for selling replicas of archival records, and for records of legislators.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action remains neutral on HB 1962 because it does not promote or violate any of our principles.