Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3251 Compare Versions

Version 1 (Old)

Version 2 (New)

Old	New		Differences
1	1		89R9169 SCF-D
2		-	By: Vasut~~, Bonnen, Barry~~ H.B. No. 3251
	2	+	By: Vasut H.B. No. 3251
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7	7		A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
8	8		AN ACT
9	9		relating to operation and management of the first capitol state
10	10		historic site and replica by the Texas Historical Commission.
11	11		BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
12	12		SECTION 1. Chapter 442, Government Code, is amended by
13	13		adding Subchapter B-3 to read as follows:
14	14		SUBCHAPTER B-3. FIRST CAPITOL STATE HISTORIC SITE
15	15		Sec. 442.068. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:
16	16		(1) "Commission" means the Texas Historical
17	17		Commission.
18	18		(2) "First capitol site" means the first capitol state
19	19		historic site located in West Columbia, Texas.
20	20		(3) "Replica" means the replica of the first Republic
21	21		of Texas house of representatives building housed on the first
22	22		capitol site.
23	23		Sec. 442.0681. JURISDICTION AND MAINTENANCE OF FIRST
24	24		CAPITOL SITE AND REPLICA. (a) The first capitol site and replica
25	25		are under the jurisdiction of the commission. The commission is
26	26		responsible for the preservation, maintenance, and operation of the
27	27		site and replica.
28	28		(b) The commission shall:
29	29		(1) develop, expand, and manage the first capitol site
30	30		and replica by:
31	31		(A) expanding, renovating, and managing the site
32	32		and replica to enhance visitor experience and historical accuracy;
33	33		(B) overseeing maintenance and operations of the
34	34		site and replica to ensure long-term preservation and public
35	35		accessibility; and
36	36		(C) providing financial support for ongoing
37	37		operations and new projects, such as administration, personnel, and
38	38		site improvements;
39	39		(2) enhance the facilities and infrastructure for the
40	40		site by:
41	41		(A) relocating the replica to a historically
42	42		accurate location on the site;
43	43		(B) constructing a historically accurate
44	44		replication of the first Republic of Texas senate building on the
45	45		site;
46	46		(C) constructing and maintaining a visitor
47	47		center on the site to provide educational resources, exhibitions,
48	48		and interactive experiences for visitors; and
49	49		(D) implementing other improvements to the
50	50		site's facilities and infrastructure in accordance with the site's
51	51		purpose and mission;
52	52		(3) assume responsibility for the historic
53	53		preservation and interpretation of the first capitol site and
54	54		replica by:
55	55		(A) preserving and maintaining historical
56	56		documents, artifacts, relics, and other items of historical
57	57		significance related to the site and this state;
58	58		(B) developing exhibitions and interpretive
59	59		programs to reflect the site's mission and educate the public; and
60	60		(C) conducting ongoing research to enhance the
61	61		accuracy and depth of the site's programs;
62	62		(4) oversee the operations of and personnel for the
63	63		first capitol site and replica by:
64	64		(A) hiring and training personnel to manage the
65	65		site's daily operations, educational programs, and visitor
66	66		services;
67	67		(B) establishing efficient operational and
68	68		visitor engagement policies and procedures; and
69	69		(C) ensuring personnel development aligns with
70	70		current best practices for historic site management;
71	71		(5) acquire resources and seek donations for the first
72	72		capitol site and replica by:
73	73		(A) accepting and managing donations of money,
74	74		land, historical relics, or other donations supporting the site's
75	75		mission;
76	76		(B) seeking grant opportunities and
77	77		public-private partnerships to increase funding for site
78	78		preservation and improvement efforts; and
79	79		(C) acquiring property and artifacts aligned
80	80		with the historical significance of the site that contribute to the
81	81		site's mission and narrative;
82	82		(6) strategically develop the first capitol site and
83	83		replica by:
84	84		(A) identifying and acquiring real property
85	85		adjacent or relevant to the site to support the mission of and
86	86		expand the site;
87	87		(B) ensuring all acquisition of real property
88	88		aligns with the historical context of the site and contributes to an
89	89		authentic and immersive visitor experience; and
90	90		(C) engaging in strategic planning to enhance the
91	91		site's presence in the nearby community and promote heritage
92	92		tourism;
93	93		(7) facilitate community engagement and partnership
94	94		for the first capitol site and replica by:
95	95		(A) collaborating with local organizations,
96	96		schools, and other relevant stakeholders to foster community
97	97		involvement and support of the site;
98	98		(B) establishing partnerships with historical
99	99		societies, institutions of higher education, and cultural
100	100		organizations to strengthen the site's educational impact; and
101	101		(C) hosting events, lectures, and programs that
102	102		encourage public participation and awareness of this state's
103	103		history; and
104	104		(8) ensure responsible stewardship of resources and
105	105		the first capitol site and replica by:
106	106		(A) maintaining ethical and professional
107	107		standards for site operations; and
108	108		(B) conducting periodic assessments to measure
109	109		progress and identify areas to improve stewardship of the site.
110	110		Sec. 442.0682. GRANTS; DONATIONS. The commission may
111	111		accept a grant or donation for any program or purpose of the first
112	112		capitol site and replica.
113	113		SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.