The bill amends the Government Code to enhance the authority and responsibilities of the Texas Historical Commission, particularly in procurement and the management of historical markers. A new section, 442.0046, allows the executive director to negotiate and award contracts to qualified vendors if competitive bidding fails, under certain conditions. Additionally, the commission is required to participate in the establishment of a nonprofit organization, the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission, to support its activities and fundraising efforts. The bill also introduces provisions for the preservation and maintenance of specific historical markers, such as Civil War centennial markers and Republic of Texas centennial markers, which are classified as state property.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the Washington-on-the-Brazos Historical Foundation, detailing its responsibilities in supporting historic sites and collaborating with the commission for operational support and fundraising. It allows the commission to adopt policies for contract solicitation and award, and creates a special fund for retail operations from commission activities. The bill clarifies the relationship between the foundation and the commission, including guidelines for financial support and management of site-related assets. It also repeals a previous section of the Government Code, transferring responsibilities for the preservation and maintenance of historical markers from the Texas Facilities Commission to the Texas Historical Commission. 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)