HBA-BSM H.B. 2385 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2385
By: Wilson
State Recreational Resources
4/8/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the Alamo is owned by the State of Texas and operated by the
Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT).  These women were descendants of
Texas pioneers and formed DRT in order to honor and preserve the memories
of their ancestors.  Soon after its founding, DRT became involved in
preserving historic sites.  The most well known of these efforts is the
preservation of the Long Barrack, one of the two original structures which
had comprised Mission San Antonio de Valero, known as the Alamo.  However,
the DRT may now not have sufficient funds to maintain regular preservation
of the most famous historical site in Texas.  House Bill 2385 transfers all
custody and control of the Alamo and its grounds to the Parks and Wildlife
Department.   
 
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 2385 provides that the custody and control of the Alamo and its
grounds including all improvements are transferred from the Daughters of
the Republic of Texas to the Parks and Wildlife Department (department) on
September 1, 2001.  The bill requires the department to restore and
maintain the Alamo and its grounds as a historical site in commemoration of
the heroes of the Alamo.  The bill authorizes the department to employ and
discharge a museum director and other employees. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.