Bill > HB840

This bill establishes comprehensive regulations for the removal, relocation, alteration, and construction of monuments and memorials on public property in Texas, both at the state and local levels. The legislation creates a new Historical Representation Advisory Committee to provide guidance on monuments in the Capitol Complex, composed of 12 members appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, and house speaker, with an emphasis on diverse representation. For state-owned properties, monuments over 25 years old can only be removed, relocated, or altered through a two-thirds legislative vote, while newer monuments can be modified by the governing agency. Similarly, for municipal and county properties, monuments over 25 years require a supermajority vote of the governing body. The bill allows for adding new monuments to complement or contrast with existing ones and protects specific landmarks like the Alamo Cenotaph. Importantly, the legislation introduces a complaint mechanism where residents can file complaints with the attorney general if they believe monument regulations have been violated, with potential civil penalties ranging from $1,000 to $25,500 for intentional violations. The advisory committee is set to be abolished on January 1, 2027, and the bill will take effect either immediately with a two-thirds legislative vote or on September 1, 2025.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB840