H.B. No. 1397 proposes to establish the care and custody of the historical "victory or death letter," written by Lieutenant Colonel William B. Travis on February 24, 1836. The bill adds Section 31.4515 to Subchapter I, Chapter 31 of the Natural Resources Code, which defines the letter and assigns the General Land Office as the responsible entity for its care and custody. The bill mandates that the land office designate a suitable location within the Alamo complex for the letter's storage and display. Additionally, it stipulates that any powers or duties related to the letter that were previously held by other state agencies will now be solely under the jurisdiction of the land office.

Furthermore, the bill requires the Texas State Library and Archives Commission to transfer the victory or death letter to the General Land Office as soon as practicable after the bill's effective date, which is set for September 1, 2025. This legislation aims to ensure the preservation and proper display of this significant historical document.

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