The bill, S.B. No. 317, addresses the removal, relocation, alteration, or construction of monuments or memorials on public property in Texas. It amends existing laws to clarify the process for handling monuments that have been in place for at least 25 years, requiring a concurrent resolution with a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature for any changes. For monuments less than 25 years old, alterations can be made by the governing body of the relevant state agency. The bill also introduces new definitions for what constitutes a monument or memorial, expanding the types of designations included, such as cenotaphs and various types of names associated with public properties.

Additionally, the bill establishes a new chapter in the Local Government Code that outlines similar procedures for municipal and county properties, including the requirement for voter approval for monuments over 25 years old. It introduces a mechanism for residents to file complaints against municipalities or counties for violations of these provisions, allowing the attorney general to seek equitable relief and impose civil penalties for intentional violations. The penalties range from $1,000 to $1,500 for first offenses and $25,000 to $25,500 for subsequent violations, with each day of continued violation counting as a separate offense. The bill aims to ensure that any changes to significant historical monuments are conducted with appropriate oversight and community involvement.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 442.015, Government Code 2166.5011, Subtitle C, Title , Local Government Code 61.003 (Government Code 2166, Subtitle C, Title , Local Government Code 61, Government Code 442)