Texas Senate Bill SB1841

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/19/11
• Introduced: 3/11/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/3/11
• Refer: 3/24/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/19/11
• Report Pass: 4/19/11
• Engrossed: 5/3/11
• Report Pass: 5/16/11

Caption

Relating to the preservation and maintenance of the Alamo by the General Land Office.

Impact

The bill amends the Natural Resources Code by providing clear governance over the Alamo complex, effectively vesting all responsibilities primarily in the General Land Office. This change is significant, as it centralizes authority and streamlines preservation efforts. Previously, responsibilities regarding the Alamo were distributed among different entities, which may have led to inconsistencies and inefficiencies in management.

Summary

SB1841 addresses the preservation and maintenance of the Alamo complex by establishing responsibilities under the General Land Office. It mandates that the land office needs to employ necessary staff and contract professional services for the preservation efforts of the Alamo, while also requiring the preparation of annual budgets and work plans. This ensures a structured approach to maintaining not only the physical structure but also its historical significance, which is vital for both local and state heritage.

Conclusion

Ultimately, SB1841 seeks to ensure that the Alamo is preserved not only as a historical monument but as a crucial aspect of Texas's cultural identity. By consolidating power in the General Land Office while fostering partnerships with established local organizations like the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the bill attempts to strike a balance between state control and local involvement in heritage conservation.

Contention

Interestingly, SB1841 stipulates that the General Land Office is not required to comply with state purchasing laws when performing duties related to the Alamo, which might raise concerns regarding transparency and accountability in expenditure. Furthermore, the bill requires the land office to enter into an agreement with the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, which aims to define the operational framework and financial support necessary for effective management of the Alamo. This could potentially lead to discussions over the evolving roles of local historical organizations versus state government oversight.