HB3251 - Relating to operation and management of the first capitol state historic site and replica by the Texas Historical Commission.

  89R9169 SCF-D     By: Vasut, Bonnen, Barry H.B. No. 3251       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to operation and management of the first capitol state   historic site and replica by the Texas Historical Commission.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Chapter 442, Government Code, is amended by   adding Subchapter B-3 to read as follows:   SUBCHAPTER B-3. FIRST CAPITOL STATE HISTORIC SITE           Sec. 442.068.  DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:                 (1)     "Commission" means the Texas Historical   Commission.                 (2)     "First capitol site" means the first capitol state   historic site located in West Columbia, Texas.                 (3)     "Replica" means the replica of the first Republic   of Texas house of representatives building housed on the first   capitol site.           Sec.   442.0681.     JURISDICTION AND MAINTENANCE OF FIRST   CAPITOL SITE AND REPLICA. (a)   The first capitol site and replica   are under the jurisdiction of the commission. The commission is   responsible for the preservation, maintenance, and operation of the   site and replica.           (b)  The commission shall:                 (1)     develop, expand, and manage the first capitol site   and replica by:                       (A)     expanding, renovating, and managing the site   and replica to enhance visitor experience and historical accuracy;                       (B)     overseeing maintenance and operations of the   site and replica to ensure long-term preservation and public   accessibility; and                         (C)     providing financial support for ongoing   operations and new projects, such as administration, personnel, and   site improvements;                 (2)     enhance the facilities and infrastructure for the   site by:                       (A)     relocating the replica to a historically   accurate location on the site;                       (B)     constructing a historically accurate   replication of the first Republic of Texas senate building on the   site;                       (C)     constructing and maintaining a visitor   center on the site to provide educational resources, exhibitions,   and interactive experiences for visitors; and                         (D)     implementing other improvements to the   site's facilities and infrastructure in accordance with the site's   purpose and mission;                 (3)     assume responsibility for the historic   preservation and interpretation of the first capitol site and   replica by:                       (A)     preserving and maintaining historical   documents, artifacts, relics, and other items of historical   significance related to the site and this state;                       (B)     developing exhibitions and interpretive   programs to reflect the site's mission and educate the public; and                         (C)     conducting ongoing research to enhance the   accuracy and depth of the site's programs;                 (4)     oversee the operations of and personnel for the   first capitol site and replica by:                       (A)     hiring and training personnel to manage the   site's daily operations, educational programs, and visitor   services;                       (B)     establishing efficient operational and   visitor engagement policies and procedures; and                         (C)     ensuring personnel development aligns with   current best practices for historic site management;                 (5)     acquire resources and seek donations for the first   capitol site and replica by:                       (A)     accepting and managing donations of money,   land, historical relics, or other donations supporting the site's   mission;                       (B)     seeking grant opportunities and   public-private partnerships to increase funding for site   preservation and improvement efforts; and                         (C)     acquiring property and artifacts aligned   with the historical significance of the site that contribute to the   site's mission and narrative;                 (6)     strategically develop the first capitol site and   replica by:                       (A)     identifying and acquiring real property   adjacent or relevant to the site to support the mission of and   expand the site;                       (B)     ensuring all acquisition of real property   aligns with the historical context of the site and contributes to an   authentic and immersive visitor experience; and                         (C)     engaging in strategic planning to enhance the   site's presence in the nearby community and promote heritage   tourism;                   (7)     facilitate community engagement and partnership   for the first capitol site and replica by:                       (A)     collaborating with local organizations,   schools, and other relevant stakeholders to foster community   involvement and support of the site;                       (B)     establishing partnerships with historical   societies, institutions of higher education, and cultural   organizations to strengthen the site's educational impact; and                         (C)     hosting events, lectures, and programs that   encourage public participation and awareness of this state's   history; and                   (8)     ensure responsible stewardship of resources and   the first capitol site and replica by:                       (A)     maintaining ethical and professional   standards for site operations; and                         (B)     conducting periodic assessments to measure   progress and identify areas to improve stewardship of the site.           Sec.   442.0682.     GRANTS; DONATIONS.   The commission may   accept a grant or donation for any program or purpose of the first   capitol site and replica.          SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.