Johnson Bill Lets A Nonprofit Run The Presidential Library Program

The text as introduced · 457 words

By: Johnson, et al.
S.B. No. 2993

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the Texas presidential library promotion program and

fund.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Chapter 442, Government Code, is amended by

adding Subchapter H to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER H. TEXAS PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY PROMOTION PROGRAM AND

FUND

Sec. 442.301. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:

(1) "Fund" means the Texas presidential library

promotion fund.

(2) "Commission" means the Texas Historical

Commission.

(2) "Program" means the Texas presidential library

promotion program, administered by the Commission.

Sec. 481.702. TEXAS PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY PROMOTION

PROGRAM. (a) The Commission shall establish the Texas

presidential library promotion program to:

(1) 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

(2) provide funding and support to the presidential

libraries, promote tourism, and educate the public on the

contributions of the presidents from this state.

(b) The program is established to support the following

presidential libraries in this state:

(1) The Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum;

(2) The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum;

and

(3) The George W. Bush Presidential Library and

Museum.

(c) The program shall:

(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) The Commission may 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) The Texas presidential library promotion fund is a dedicated

account in the general revenue fund.

(b) The following amounts shall be deposited in the fund:

(1) money appropriated by the legislature to the fund

for the purposes described by this subchapter;

(2) interest earned on the investment of money in the

fund; and

(3) gifts, grants, and other donations received for

the fund.

(c) Money in the fund may be spent for a purpose described by

this subchapter.

SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date

of this Act, the Commission shall establish the Texas presidential

library promotion program as required by Section 442.301,

Government Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.