H.B. No. 1397 establishes new provisions regarding the care, custody, and display of the "victory or death letter," the Texas Constitution, and the Texas Declaration of Independence. The bill adds Section 443.031 to the Government Code, which defines the "victory or death letter" as the letter written by Lieutenant Colonel William B. Travis on February 24, 1836. It assigns the State Preservation Board the responsibility for the safety and preservation of these historical documents, including their display at designated locations such as the Alamo complex and the Capitol Complex. The board is required to collaborate with the Texas Historical Commission and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission to determine appropriate display locations and develop a plan for their exhibition by December 1, 2027.

Additionally, the bill outlines that costs associated with the display of these documents will be covered by the board using available funds. It also allows for the temporary display of these documents at museums or historical events, as authorized by the board in consultation with the relevant commissions. The provisions set forth in this act will take effect on September 1, 2025, and include a sunset clause for certain sections, expiring on September 1, 2031.

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