Texas House Bill HB1266

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/15/09

Caption

Relating to authorizing the board of regents of the Texas Tech University System to transfer the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts to a nonprofit organization to operate the museum.

Impact

The bill amends the Texas Education Code by adding Section 109A.005, which stipulates the conditions under which the transfer of the museum can occur. Crucially, it requires that the board of regents hold a public meeting to discuss the transfer before making any decisions, ensuring transparency in the process. The board must also conclude that the transfer serves the university's interests and that the nonprofit organization will keep the museum accessible to the public.

Summary

House Bill 1266 authorizes the board of regents of the Texas Tech University System to transfer the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts to a designated nonprofit organization. This bill aims to ensure that the museum continues to operate as a public entity while allowing the university to relinquish parts of its obligations concerning the museum if it no longer needs them for educational purposes. The legislation emphasizes the importance of maintaining public access and ensuring that the museum serves educational purposes even after the transfer of ownership.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding this bill may relate to concerns over the governance of public assets and the implications of transferring state-owned property to a nonprofit. The legislation imposes prerequisites on the nonprofit organization, including the obligation to maintain the museum for public purposes and keep it open regularly. This could raise questions about the capability of the nonprofit to fulfill these requirements over time, particularly regarding financial sustainability and public service commitments.