BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 2993 By: Johnson et al. Economic Development 4/22/2025 As Filed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Presidential libraries serve as enduring symbols of patriotism and public service, commemorating those who have held the highest office in our nation. They exhibit valuable educational, historical, and economic opportunities by laying out unique materials and information that gives insight into the Office of the President of the United States, their personal upbringings, challenges during their presidencies, and the overall state of the country at the time. Texas is home to three presidential librariesmore than any other statehonoring the legacies of President Lyndon B. Johnson, President George H. W. Bush, and President George W. Bush. These institutions are vital historical and educational assets that enrich the state's cultural identity and economic vitality. Their exhibitions offer unique insight into the Office of the President and the significant role Texas and its leaders have played in shaping the nation's history. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, Texas stands uniquely positioned to lead in commemorating this historic milestone. Together, Texas' presidential libraries attract over 320,000 visitors annually from across the country and around the world. According to the Texas Comptroller's Office, in 2023 these institutions contributed more than $329 million to the state's gross domestic product and supported over 3,160 jobs. S.B. 2993 would direct the Texas Historical Commission (THC) to establish the Texas Presidential Library Promotion Program to support statewide tourism and public education related to Texas presidents. The bill would establish a dedicated account in the general revenue fund and would allow THC to contract with a nonprofit entity for this purpose. As proposed, S.B. 2993 amends current law relating to the Texas presidential library promotion program and fund. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 442, Government Code, by adding Subchapter H, as follows: SUBCHAPTER H. TEXAS PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY PROMOTION PROGRAM AND FUND Sec. 442.301. DEFINITIONS. Defines "fund," "commission," and "program." Sec. 481.702. TEXAS PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY PROMOTION PROGRAM. (a) Requires the Texas Historical Commission (THC) to establish the Texas presidential library promotion program (program) to recognize that the presidential libraries in this state are vital historical and educational resources that attract visitors from across the country and contribute to this state's cultural and economic landscape and provide funding and support to the presidential libraries, promote tourism, and educate the public on the contributions of the presidents from this state. (b) Provides that the program is established to support the following presidential libraries in this state: the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum, the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, and the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. (c) Requires that the program: (1) provide financial support to the presidential libraries for the renovation and enhancement of permanent exhibits; (2) market and promote the presidential libraries to increase tourism to and public awareness of the libraries; and (3) in collaboration with the presidential libraries, develop a mobile exhibit to be displayed in communities, schools, and other public institutions that: (A) features for each president significant artifacts, multimedia presentations, and educational materials; and (B) highlights the historical impact and legacies of President Lyndon B. Johnson, President George H. W. Bush, and President George W. Bush. (d) Authorizes THC to enter into a contract with a nonprofit entity for the nonprofit entity to administer and operate the program. Sec. 442.302. TEXAS PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY PROMOTION FUND. (a) Provides that the Texas presidential library fund (fund) is a dedicated account in the general revenue fund. (b) Requires that the following amounts be deposited in the fund: money appropriated by the legislature to the fund for the purposes described by this subchapter, interest earned on the investment of money in the fund, and gifts, grants, and other donations received for the fund. (c) Authorizes money in the fund to be spent for a purposed described by this subchapter. SECTION 2. Requires THC, as soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, to establish the program as required by Section 442.301, Government Code, as added by this Act. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2025.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 2993
By: Johnson et al.
Economic Development
4/22/2025
As Filed
Senate Research Center
S.B. 2993
By: Johnson et al.
Economic Development
4/22/2025
As Filed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Presidential libraries serve as enduring symbols of patriotism and public service, commemorating those who have held the highest office in our nation. They exhibit valuable educational, historical, and economic opportunities by laying out unique materials and information that gives insight into the Office of the President of the United States, their personal upbringings, challenges during their presidencies, and the overall state of the country at the time. Texas is home to three presidential librariesmore than any other statehonoring the legacies of President Lyndon B. Johnson, President George H. W. Bush, and President George W. Bush.
These institutions are vital historical and educational assets that enrich the state's cultural identity and economic vitality. Their exhibitions offer unique insight into the Office of the President and the significant role Texas and its leaders have played in shaping the nation's history. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, Texas stands uniquely positioned to lead in commemorating this historic milestone.
Together, Texas' presidential libraries attract over 320,000 visitors annually from across the country and around the world. According to the Texas Comptroller's Office, in 2023 these institutions contributed more than $329 million to the state's gross domestic product and supported over 3,160 jobs.
S.B. 2993 would direct the Texas Historical Commission (THC) to establish the Texas Presidential Library Promotion Program to support statewide tourism and public education related to Texas presidents. The bill would establish a dedicated account in the general revenue fund and would allow THC to contract with a nonprofit entity for this purpose.
As proposed, S.B. 2993 amends current law relating to the Texas presidential library promotion program and fund.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 442, Government Code, by adding Subchapter H, as follows:
SUBCHAPTER H. TEXAS PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY PROMOTION PROGRAM AND FUND
Sec. 442.301. DEFINITIONS. Defines "fund," "commission," and "program."
Sec. 481.702. TEXAS PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY PROMOTION PROGRAM. (a) Requires the Texas Historical Commission (THC) to establish the Texas presidential library promotion program (program) to recognize that the presidential libraries in this state are vital historical and educational resources that attract visitors from across the country and contribute to this state's cultural and economic landscape and provide funding and support to the presidential libraries, promote tourism, and educate the public on the contributions of the presidents from this state.
(b) Provides that the program is established to support the following presidential libraries in this state: the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum, the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, and the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum.
(c) Requires that the program:
(1) provide financial support to the presidential libraries for the renovation and enhancement of permanent exhibits;
(2) market and promote the presidential libraries to increase tourism to and public awareness of the libraries; and
(3) in collaboration with the presidential libraries, develop a mobile exhibit to be displayed in communities, schools, and other public institutions that:
(A) features for each president significant artifacts, multimedia presentations, and educational materials; and
(B) highlights the historical impact and legacies of President Lyndon B. Johnson, President George H. W. Bush, and President George W. Bush.
(d) Authorizes THC to enter into a contract with a nonprofit entity for the nonprofit entity to administer and operate the program.
Sec. 442.302. TEXAS PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY PROMOTION FUND. (a) Provides that the Texas presidential library fund (fund) is a dedicated account in the general revenue fund.
(b) Requires that the following amounts be deposited in the fund: money appropriated by the legislature to the fund for the purposes described by this subchapter, interest earned on the investment of money in the fund, and gifts, grants, and other donations received for the fund.
(c) Authorizes money in the fund to be spent for a purposed described by this subchapter.
SECTION 2. Requires THC, as soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, to establish the program as required by Section 442.301, Government Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2025.