Bill > SB283

This bill creates the Texas African American Heritage Commission, a nine-member advisory body dedicated to identifying, preserving, interpreting, and promoting sites reflecting Texas's African American heritage. The commission will be administratively attached to the Texas Historical Commission and will consist of seven members appointed by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, one member appointed by Texas Southern University's president, and one member appointed by Prairie View A&M University's president. Commission members will serve six-year staggered terms, must be Texas residents with a demonstrated interest in African American heritage preservation, and will serve without pay but receive travel expense reimbursement. The commission's duties will include promoting public awareness of African American historic sites, supporting heritage education, developing preservation programs, creating a statewide network of heritage preservation organizations, and making recommendations to state and local agencies. The commission will operate solely in an advisory capacity and can receive funding through legislative appropriations, gifts, grants, and donations. A dedicated account will be established within the general revenue fund to support the commission's activities. The commission is subject to the Texas Sunset Act and will expire on September 1, 2037, unless continued by legislative action. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, with initial commission appointments to be made by January 1, 2026.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB283