S.B. No. 2036 amends the Government Code to enhance the authority and responsibilities of the Texas Historical Commission. It introduces a new section, 442.0046, allowing the executive director to negotiate and award contracts for goods or services to qualified vendors when competitive bidding does not yield responsive bids. The bill also establishes the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission as an affiliated nonprofit organization to provide services and financial support to the commission, which is now authorized to accept donations and participate in the establishment of this nonprofit. Additionally, the bill mandates the preservation, maintenance, and repair of certain historical markers, specifically Civil War and Republic of Texas centennial markers, while ensuring that ownership of related museums or buildings remains with their respective entities.

Moreover, the bill updates the commission's jurisdiction over historic sites and allows it to charge fees for activities related to its mission. It requires the commission to adopt policies for soliciting and awarding contracts and creates a special fund for retail operations, which will include earned revenue operating receipts. The commission is authorized to purchase goods for resale using general revenue until the special fund is sufficient. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the newly established Washington-on-the-Brazos Historical Foundation, including fundraising activities and property ownership, while clarifying the commission's advisory role and its authority to appoint nonvoting members to the foundation's board. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 442.005, Government Code 442.072, Government Code 442.101, Government Code 442.113, Government Code 442.0055 (Government Code 442)