HBA-DMD S.B. 1457 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 1457
By: West
State, Federal, & International Relations
4/26/1999
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

In 1866, Congress passed legislation authorizing the formation of six
regiments of black soldiers, many of whom were former slaves, who came to
be known as Buffalo Soldiers. Buffalo Soldiers served from 1866 to 1892
with thirteen men earning the Medal of Honor.  S.B. 1457 establishes July
as Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Month and requires Buffalo Soldiers Heritage
Month to be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies and activities. 

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 the chapter heading to Chapter 662, Government Code, as
follows: 

CHAPTER 662.  HOLIDAYS AND RECOGNITION DAYS AND MONTHS

SECTION 2.  Amends Chapter 662, Government Code, by adding Subchapter D, as
follows: 

SUBCHAPTER D.  RECOGNITION MONTHS

Sec. 662.101. BUFFALO SOLDIERS HERITAGE MONTH. Sets forth July as Buffalo
Soldiers Heritage Month in honor of the bravery and dedication of Texas'
Buffalo Soldiers and in recognition of their contribution to the legendary
history of the Lone Star State. Requires Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Month to
be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies and activities. 

SECTION 3.Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.