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 It assigns the board the responsibility for the safety and preservation of these historical documents, whether they are in custody, storage, or on display. The board is required to collaborate with the Texas Historical Commission and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission to designate appropriate display locations for these documents, including a secure display in the Alamo complex and a public location at the Capitol Complex.

Additionally, the bill mandates the board to develop a plan by December 1, 2027, for the display of the Texas Declaration of Independence, the Texas Constitution, and the victory or death letter, which must be published on the board's website and shared with relevant legislative committees. The provisions related to the plan will expire on September 1, 2031. The board is also authorized to allow temporary displays of these documents at museums or historical events, with costs covered by available funds. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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