H.B. No. 3227 proposes amendments to the Government Code regarding the removal, relocation, alteration, or construction of monuments and memorials on public property in Texas. The bill introduces new provisions that define "monument or memorial" to include various forms of permanent designations, such as statues and plaques, that honor events or individuals of historical significance. It establishes that monuments or memorials on state property for at least 25 years can only be altered or removed with a two-thirds legislative vote, while those less than 25 years old can be modified by the governing body of the agency that erected them. Additionally, the bill allows for the construction of new monuments or memorials and specifies that this section applies to higher education institutions.

Furthermore, the bill creates a new chapter in the Local Government Code that outlines similar procedures for municipal and county properties, requiring voter approval for changes to long-standing monuments. It also introduces a mechanism for residents to file complaints with the attorney general regarding violations of these provisions, which could lead to civil penalties for municipalities or counties found in violation. 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 public 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 442, Government Code 2166, Subtitle C, Title , Local Government Code 61)