Texas House Bill HB2971

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to powers and duties concerning records of the General Land Office.

Impact

By re-organizing the way the land records are compiled and managed, HB 2971 seeks to streamline the accessibility of historical documents and property information. Furthermore, the bill recognizes the GLO as an eligible charitable organization involved in the state's employee charitable campaign, allowing for deductions from state employees' paychecks to fund programs like Save Texas History and Adopt-A-Beach. This feature is expected to facilitate better conservation and educational outreach concerning Texas history and its natural resources.

Summary

House Bill 2971 addresses the responsibilities and powers related to records maintained by the General Land Office (GLO) in Texas. The bill mandates the commissioner to prepare a revised compilation of various records pertaining to patented and surveyed real property. Additionally, it allows counties to be organized into districts for the purpose of this compilation, consolidating the resources for better management and access. This change aims to enhance the efficiency and clarity of land records in Texas.

Sentiment

The reception of HB 2971 appears largely positive, as evidenced by unanimous support in the legislative votes, with no opposing votes recorded in either the House or the Senate. The bill's supporters emphasize its potential for preserving important historical records and its significance in promoting educational programming related to Texas history. The collaborative spirit of the bill, allowing counties to take part in district-based revisions, further contributes to its favorable reception.

Contention

While there were no explicit points of contention reported in the voting records, it's essential to note that the effectiveness of implementation concerning the management of records and fundraising efforts through the charitable campaign may lead to discussions about resource allocation and priorities. Ensuring that local needs are met while promoting statewide initiatives could be a challenge that arises as the bill is put into action.