Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1397

Filed
11/19/24  
Out of House Committee
4/22/25  
Voted on by House
4/30/25  
Out of Senate Committee
5/14/25  
Voted on by Senate
5/23/25  
Governor Action
6/20/25  

Caption

Relating to the care, custody, and display of the letter known as the victory or death letter, the Texas Constitution, and the Texas Declaration of Independence.

Impact

The passage of HB 1397 signifies a robust legal framework aimed at enhancing the visibility of Texas's historical heritage. By formally designating care and display protocols for these crucial documents, the bill will likely lead to increased public engagement and appreciation of Texas's historical narrative. It aims to solidify the state's commitment to safeguarding its historical assets, ensuring that future generations can learn from and connect with the key events in Texas's past. The plan also includes future provisions for the display at museums and historical events, expanding access and visibility.

Summary

House Bill 1397 pertains to the care, custody, and display of the 'victory or death letter,' the Texas Constitution, and the Texas Declaration of Independence. It assigns the responsibility for their safe preservation and display to a designated board. The bill emphasizes the importance of these historical documents and outlines the procedures for ensuring they are displayed securely and appropriately in locations significant to Texas history, such as the Alamo complex and the Capitol Complex. Furthermore, it mandates a plan be developed for the display of these documents while collaborating with historical bodies to ensure that they are showcased properly to the public.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1397 appears largely positive among supporters, who view it as a necessary step to preserve and honor Texas's rich history. The unanimous support during voting suggests that legislators recognize the importance of these documents in shaping Texas's identity and culture. There could, however, be dissenting voices among some individuals who may argue about the allocation of resources for the display and care of these documents, although no significant opposition was noted during the legislative session.

Contention

While HB 1397 seems to have broad support, it does raise questions about the implementation of the display plans and the logistics involved in safeguarding such historically significant documents. The bill requires collaboration with several state bodies, which can introduce challenges in execution and jurisdictional clarity. There may also be concerns about the ongoing costs associated with the preservation and display efforts, particularly in ensuring that taxpayer resources are used effectively for these purposes.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Natural Resources Code

  • Chapter 31. General Land Office
    • Section: New Section

Government Code

  • Chapter 441. Libraries And Archives
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 443. State Preservation Board
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HR423

Commemorating the 2023 Texas Independence Day ceremony hosted by the Sons of the Republic of Texas.

TX HJR15

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing an independent redistricting commission to establish districts for the election of the members of the United States House of Representatives elected from this state, the Texas Senate, and the Texas House of Representatives.

TX SJR12

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing an independent redistricting commission to establish districts for the election of the members of the United States House of Representatives elected from this state, the Texas Senate, and the Texas House of Representatives.

TX HB1520

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and the functions of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

TX SB1727

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, the functions of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and the powers and duties of the office of inspector general of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

TX HB2639

Relating to the creation of a new university in Nacogdoches, Texas, within The University of Texas System and the allocation of the annual constitutional appropriation to certain agencies and institutions of higher education; abolishing Stephen F. Austin State University.

TX HR334

Commemorating Texas Independence Day 2023.

TX HR2313

Commemorating Texas Independence Day 2024.

TX SB1055

Relating to the creation of a new university in Nacogdoches, Texas, within The University of Texas System and the allocation of the annual constitutional appropriation to certain agencies and institutions of higher education; abolishing Stephen F. Austin State University.

TX HJR4

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission to redistrict the Texas Legislature, Texas congressional districts, and State Board of Education districts and revising procedures for redistricting.

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