HBA-MPM H.B. 889 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 889
By: Lewis, Glenn
Higher Education
3/30/1999
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Through acquisitions and donations, Prairie View A&M University has
accumulated school records, artifacts, and other memorabilia relating to
the cultural history of African-Americans in the state of Texas.  It is
well positioned to serve as the institution to study the lives and times of
AfricanAmericans in this state.  H.B. 889 provides for the creation of an
Institute for Preservation of History and Culture at Prairie View A&M, to
be overseen by the university's board of regents.  This bill further sets
forth the mission of the institute, as well as its area of focus, which is
the history, contributions, and role of African-Americans in Texas history
and culture 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 87, Education Code, by adding
Section 87.106, as follows: 

Sec. 87.106.  INSTITUTE FOR PRESERVATION OF HISTORY AND CULTURE.  (a)
Requires the board of regents (board) of the Texas A&M University System to
establish an institute for the preservation of Texas and American history
and culture (institute) at Prairie View A&M University.  Provides that the
organization, control, and management of the institute is vested in the
board, and that the employment of personnel and operating budget are
subject to board approval.  Specifies that an employee of the institute is
an employee of Prairie View A&M University.  Sets forth the mission of the
institute, as well as the institute's area of special emphasis:  the
history, contributions, and role of African Americans in Texas history and
culture.  Authorizes the institute to establish and operate a museum,
archives, automated systems for data access and retrieval, or similar
facilities; and operate educational and awareness programs, particularly
for students in public education. Authorizes the board to solicit and
accept gifts and grants from a public or private source. 

SECTION 2.  Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.