HBA-JEK H.B. 1924 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1924 By: Haggerty State, Federal & International Relations 3/11/2001 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In 1999, Major General Dennis D. Cavin authorized the relocation of the Fort Bliss Museum (museum) from its 25-year-old temporary location to a modern 108,000 square foot building in the heart of the Fort Bliss shopping area. The new facility will be accessible to the public and will showcase the history of Fort Bliss from its frontier days to its current position as a world leader in space and missile defense. The museum will provide a repository for the history of Fort Bliss while the study center will feature programs and exhibits that will educate youths and adults. House Bill 1924 authorizes the Texas Historical Commission to assist Fort Bliss Military Reservation in the establishment and operation of the museum and study center. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS House Bill 1924 amends the Government Code to authorize the Texas Historical Commission (THC) to assist Fort Bliss Military Reservation in El Paso in the establishment and operation of a museum and study center devoted to the history of the United States air defense system. The bill sets forth provisions regarding the authorization of THC to raise funds from public and private sources, contribute funds, and provide assistance for the museum. The bill authorizes this assistance and THC to contribute funds only if THC receives appropriate assurances that, subject to the security requirements of the military reservation, the museum and study center will be open for use by the general public. EFFECTIVE DATE On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2001.