S.B. No. 2309
AN ACT
relating to the transfer of jurisdiction over and management of the
Star of the Republic Museum to the Texas Historical Commission.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 442, Government Code, is amended by
adding Subchapter B-1 to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER B-1. STAR OF THE REPUBLIC MUSEUM
Sec. 442.061. DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "museum"
means the Star of the Republic Museum.
Sec. 442.062. JURISDICTION AND MAINTENANCE OF MUSEUM.
(a) The museum and its contents are under the jurisdiction of the
commission. The commission is responsible for the preservation,
maintenance, and operation of the museum.
(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), Blinn College District
maintains ownership of the museum, the land on which the museum is
located, and the artifacts in the museum.
(c) Except as provided by Subsection (b), any power or duty
related to the museum formerly vested in any other state agency or
entity is vested solely in the commission.
(d) The commission shall, in coordination with an advisory
committee appointed by the board of trustees of the Blinn College
District, promote the educational and public awareness programs at
the museum, the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, and
the Barrington Living History Farm.
Sec. 442.063. GRANTS; DONATIONS. The commission may accept
a grant or donation for any program or purpose of the museum.
SECTION 2. (a) On January 1, 2020, the following are
transferred to the Texas Historical Commission:
(1) all powers and duties of Blinn College District
relating to the Star of the Republic Museum;
(2) all unobligated and unexpended funds
appropriated, donated, or contributed to Blinn College District
designated for the administration of any part of the Star of the
Republic Museum; and
(3) all files and other records of Blinn College
District kept by Blinn College District regarding the Star of the
Republic Museum.
(b) Notwithstanding any other law, Blinn College District
shall continue to perform functions and activities related to the
Star of the Republic Museum until January 1, 2020, and the former
law is continued in effect for that purpose.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 2309 passed the Senate on
April 17, 2019, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 2309 passed the House on
May 22, 2019, by the following vote: Yeas 144, Nays 0, two
present not voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
Approved:
______________________________
Date
______________________________
Governor