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HB 1397

Relating to the care, custody, and display of the letter known as the victory or death letter, the Texas Constitution, and the Texas Declaration of Independence.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Briscoe Cain and 6 co-sponsors

HB 1397 establishes state preservation and display standards for the Victory or Death letter, Texas Constitution, and Texas Declaration of Independence, clarifying governmental custody and public access protocols.

Effective on 9/1/25
#alamo #the(s0070) #generallandoffice(v2808) #historicalcommission #texas(v0238) #historicpreservation&museums(i0392) #libraries&librarians(i0523) #preservationboard #state(v4452) #statelibrary&archivescommission #texas(v0027) #statesymbols(i0774)
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Bill Summary · HB 1397

Legislative bill overview

HB 1397 establishes legal protocols for the care, custody, and display of three historically significant Texas documents: the "Victory or Death" letter (attributed to William Barret Travis from the Alamo), the Texas Constitution, and the Texas Declaration of Independence. The bill creates standards for preservation, access, and public display of these items while clarifying governmental authority over their management.

Why is this important

These documents are foundational symbols of Texas history and identity. The bill ensures professional preservation standards protect them from deterioration while establishing clear guidelines for public access and exhibition. It also resolves any ambiguity about which state entity has legal authority over these irreplaceable historical artifacts.

Potential points of contention

  • Custody disputes: The bill may trigger disagreements if current custodians (museums, archives, or private entities) have competing claims to these documents
  • Public access limitations: Conservation requirements might restrict how frequently or extensively these items can be publicly displayed, potentially limiting citizen access to historical artifacts
  • Display standards interpretation: Disagreement could arise over what constitutes appropriate "care and display" standards—balancing preservation with educational public exhibition

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

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