Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1426 Compare Versions

Version 1 (Old)

Version 2 (New)

Old	New		Differences
1	1		By: Huffman S.B. No. 1426
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	2	+	(In the Senate - Filed February 19, 2025; March 6, 2025,
	3	+	read first time and referred to Committee on Finance;
	4	+	April 7, 2025, reported adversely, with favorable Committee
	5	+	Substitute by the following vote: Yeas 15, Nays 0; April 7, 2025,
	6	+	sent to printer.)
	7	+	Click here to see the committee vote
	8	+	COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR S.B. No. 1426 By: Huffman
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6	11		A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
7	12		AN ACT
8	13		relating to operation and management of the first capitol state
9	14		historic site and replica by the Texas Historical Commission.
10	15		BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
11	16		SECTION 1. Chapter 442, Government Code, is amended by
12	17		adding Subchapter B-3 to read as follows:
13	18		SUBCHAPTER B-3. FIRST CAPITOL STATE HISTORIC SITE
14	19		Sec. 442.068. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:
15	20		(1) "Commission" means the Texas Historical
16	21		Commission.
17	22		(2) "First capitol site" means the first capitol state
18	23		historic site located in West Columbia, Texas.
19	24		(3) "Replica" means the replica of the first Republic
20	25		of Texas house of representatives building housed on the first
21	26		capitol site.
22	27		Sec. 442.0681. JURISDICTION AND MAINTENANCE OF FIRST
23	28		CAPITOL SITE AND REPLICA. (a) The first capitol site and replica
24	29		are under the jurisdiction of the commission. The commission is
25	30		responsible for the preservation, maintenance, and operation of the
26	31		site and replica.
27	32		(b) The commission shall:
28	33		(1) develop, expand, and manage the first capitol site
29	34		and replica by:
30	35		(A) expanding, renovating, and managing the site
31	36		and replica to enhance visitor experience and historical accuracy;
32	37		(B) overseeing maintenance and operations of the
33	38		site and replica to ensure long-term preservation and public
34	39		accessibility; and
35	40		(C) providing financial support for ongoing
36	41		operations and new projects, such as administration, personnel, and
37	42		site improvements;
38	43		(2) enhance the facilities and infrastructure for the
39	44		site by:
40	45		(A) relocating the replica to a historically
41	46		accurate location on the site;
42	47		(B) constructing a historically accurate
43	48		replication of the first Republic of Texas senate building on the
44	49		site;
45	50		(C) constructing and maintaining a visitor
46	51		center on the site to provide educational resources, exhibitions,
47	52		and interactive experiences for visitors; and
48	53		(D) implementing other improvements to the
49	54		site's facilities and infrastructure in accordance with the site's
50	55		purpose and mission;
51	56		(3) assume responsibility for the historic
52	57		preservation and interpretation of the first capitol site and
53	58		replica by:
54	59		(A) preserving and maintaining historical
55	60		documents, artifacts, relics, and other items of historical
56	61		significance related to the site and this state;
57	62		(B) developing exhibitions and interpretive
58	63		programs to reflect the site's mission and educate the public; and
59	64		(C) conducting ongoing research to enhance the
60	65		accuracy and depth of the site's programs;
61	66		(4) oversee the operations of and personnel for the
62	67		first capitol site and replica by:
63	68		(A) employing a site director and other personnel
64	69		the commission considers necessary to fulfill the commission's
65	70		duties and responsibilities for the site;
66	71		(B) establishing efficient operational and
67	72		visitor engagement policies and procedures; and
68	73		(C) ensuring personnel development aligns with
69	74		current best practices for historic site management;
70	75		(5) acquire resources and seek donations for the first
71	76		capitol site and replica by:
72	77		(A) accepting and managing donations of money,
73	78		land, historical relics, or other donations supporting the site's
74	79		mission;
75	80		(B) seeking grant opportunities and
76	81		public-private partnerships to increase funding for site
77	82		preservation and improvement efforts; and
78	83		(C) acquiring property and artifacts aligned
79	84		with the historical significance of the site that contribute to the
80	85		site's mission and narrative;
81	86		(6) strategically develop the first capitol site and
82	87		replica by:
83	88		(A) identifying and acquiring real property
84	89		adjacent or relevant to the site to support the mission of and
85	90		expand the site;
86	91		(B) ensuring all acquisition of real property
87	92		aligns with the historical context of the site and contributes to an
88	93		authentic and immersive visitor experience; and
89	94		(C) engaging in strategic planning to enhance the
90	95		site's presence in the nearby community and promote heritage
91	96		tourism;
92	97		(7) facilitate community engagement and partnership
93	98		for the first capitol site and replica by:
94	99		(A) collaborating with local organizations,
95	100		schools, and other relevant stakeholders to foster community
96	101		involvement and support of the site;
97	102		(B) establishing partnerships with historical
98	103		societies, institutions of higher education, and cultural
99	104		organizations to strengthen the site's educational impact; and
100	105		(C) hosting events, lectures, and programs that
101	106		encourage public participation and awareness of this state's
102	107		history; and
103	108		(8) ensure responsible stewardship of resources and
104	109		the first capitol site and replica by:
105	110		(A) maintaining ethical and professional
106	111		standards for site operations; and
107	112		(B) conducting periodic assessments to measure
108	113		progress and identify areas to improve stewardship of the site.
109	114		Sec. 442.0682. GRANTS; DONATIONS. The commission may
110	115		accept a grant or donation for any program or purpose of the first
111	116		capitol site and replica.
112	117		SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
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