S.B. No. 1787




AN ACT
relating to the designation and duties of the state historian. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. The heading to Chapter 3104, Government Code, is amended to read as follows:
CHAPTER 3104. POET LAUREATE, STATE MUSICIAN, STATE HISTORIAN, AND STATE ARTISTS
SECTION 2. Sections 3104.001 through 3104.007, Government Code, are redesignated as Subchapter A, Chapter 3104, Government Code, and a heading is added to that subchapter to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER A. POET LAUREATE, STATE MUSICIAN, AND STATE ARTISTS
SECTION 3. Chapter 3104, Government Code, is amended by adding Subchapter B to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER B. TEXAS STATE HISTORIAN
Sec. 3104.051. STATE HISTORIAN. (a) The state historian shall be appointed by the governor on the recommendation of the Texas Historical Commission and the Texas State Historical Association. If the entities cannot agree on a nominee, each shall submit one candidate to the governor, who shall make the designation. (b) In making an appointment under Subsection (a), the governor may reject one or more of the nominees submitted and request a new list of different nominees. (c) The duties of the state historian shall include: (1) enhancing the knowledge of Texans regarding Texas history and heritage; (2) encouraging the teaching of Texas history in public schools; (3) consulting with the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the legislature on matters related to the promotion of Texas history; and (4) lecturing on matters of Texas history within the state historian's area of expertise. (d) The state historian shall not receive compensation or reimbursement for expenses from the state for serving as state historian. (e) The governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives, or their appointees, shall honor the person designated as state historian in a ceremony at the Capitol. (f) An individual designated as the state historian retains the designation for two years from the date of the ceremony. (g) The facilities and resources of the Texas Historical Commission in Austin shall be made available for the use of the state historian when needed. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.
______________________________ ______________________________ President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1787 passed the Senate on April 28, 2005, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0. ______________________________ Secretary of the Senate I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1787 passed the House on May 17, 2005, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House Approved: ______________________________ Date ______________________________ Governor