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Bill

Bill

SB 2036

Relating to the authority and responsibilities of the Texas Historical Commission; authorizing fees.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Lois Kolkhorst

SB 2036 expands Texas Historical Commission authority and authorizes new fees to fund preservation efforts and heritage management programs statewide.

Left pending in committee
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Bill Summary · SB 2036

Legislative bill overview

SB 2036 expands the authority and responsibilities of the Texas Historical Commission while authorizing it to implement new fee structures. The bill grants the commission additional powers to manage historical preservation efforts and provides a revenue mechanism through authorized fees to support its expanded functions.

Why is this important

The Texas Historical Commission oversees protection of the state's cultural heritage, including historic landmarks, archaeological sites, and preservation programs. Granting new authority and fee-setting powers directly affects funding availability for heritage preservation, potentially influencing which historical sites receive protection and what resources are allocated to conservation efforts across Texas.

Potential points of contention

  • Fee impact on stakeholders – New authorized fees could affect property owners, developers, and organizations involved with historical sites, raising concerns about compliance costs and economic burden on small entities
  • Scope of expanded authority – The bill's specific new powers aren't detailed here, creating uncertainty about how broadly the commission's reach extends into private property rights and local jurisdiction matters
  • Revenue allocation transparency – Unclear how collected fees will be distributed and whether they benefit specific regions equally or concentrate resources in areas with more prominent historical sites

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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