HB 1397
AN ACT relating to the transfer and the care and custody of the letter
89th Regular Session
Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended
Awaiting Committee Assignment
Bill filed, pending referral to House committee
Committee
Not yet assigned
Fiscal Note
Not available
What This Bill Does
Transfers the historic "Victory or Death" letter written by William B. Travis during the 1836 Texas Revolution from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission to the Texas General Land Office. The General Land Office will be responsible for the letter's care, custody, and display within the Alamo complex, ensuring the preservation of this significant piece of Texas history. The transfer is set to occur after September 1, 2025.
Subject Areas
Bill Text
relating to the transfer and the care and custody of the letter known as the victory or death letter. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter I, Chapter 31, Natural Resources Code, is amended by adding Section 31.4515 to read as follows: Sec. 31.4515. CARE AND CUSTODY OF VICTORY OR DEATH LETTER; DISPLAY. (a) In this section, "victory or death letter" means the letter written by Lieutenant Colonel William B. Travis dated February 24, 1836, and signed "Victory or Death." (b) The land office is responsible for the care and custody of the victory or death letter. (c) The land office shall designate an appropriate place in the Alamo complex for the storage and display of the victory or (d) Any power or duty related to the victory or death letter formerly vested in another state agency or entity is vested solely SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission shall transfer the letter described by Section 31.4515(a), Natural Resources Code, as added by this Act, to the General Land Office. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Bill Sponsors
Legislators who authored or co-sponsored this bill.
Bill History
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to the transfer and the care and custody of the letter
Related Guides
Learn more about tracking Texas legislation and working with lobbyists.
How to Read & Track Texas Bills
Master bill numbering, understand legislative language, and learn effective tracking strategies.
Understanding Texas Legislative Deadlines
Navigate the 140-day session with critical calendar dates and filing deadlines.
How Laws Get Made in Texas
Follow a bill's journey from filing to the governor's desk through committees and floor votes.
When Should Your Business Hire a Lobbyist?
Discover the signs that your business needs professional advocacy at the Texas Capitol.