HB 3251

relating to operation and management of the first capitol state
historic site and replica by the Texas Historical Commission.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Chapter 442, Government Code, is amended by
adding Subchapter B-3 to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER B-3. FIRST CAPITOL STATE HISTORIC SITE
Sec. 442.068.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Commission" means the Texas Historical
(2)  "First capitol site" means the first capitol state
historic site located in West Columbia, Texas.
(3)  "Replica" means the replica of the first Republic
of Texas house of representatives building housed on the first
Sec. 442.0681.  JURISDICTION AND MAINTENANCE OF FIRST
CAPITOL SITE AND REPLICA.  (a)  The first capitol site and replica
are under the jurisdiction of the commission.  The commission is
responsible for the preservation, maintenance, and operation of the
(1)  develop, expand, and manage the first capitol site
(A)  expanding, renovating, and managing the site
and replica to enhance visitor experience and historical accuracy;
(B)  overseeing maintenance and operations of the
site and replica to ensure long-term preservation and public
(C)  providing financial support for ongoing
operations and new projects, such as administration, personnel, and
(2)  enhance the facilities and infrastructure for the
(A)  relocating the replica to a historically
(B)  constructing a historically accurate
replication of the first Republic of Texas senate building on the
(C)  constructing and maintaining a visitor
center on the site to provide educational resources, exhibitions,
and interactive experiences for visitors; and
(D)  implementing other improvements to the
site's facilities and infrastructure in accordance with the site's
(3)  assume responsibility for the historic
preservation and interpretation of the first capitol site and
(A)  preserving and maintaining historical
documents, artifacts, relics, and other items of historical
significance related to the site and this state;
(B)  developing exhibitions and interpretive
programs to reflect the site's mission and educate the public; and
(C)  conducting ongoing research to enhance the
accuracy and depth of the site's programs;
(4)  oversee the operations of and personnel for the
first capitol site and replica by:
(A)  hiring and training personnel to manage the
site's daily operations, educational programs, and visitor
(B)  establishing efficient operational and
visitor engagement policies and procedures; and
(C)  ensuring personnel development aligns with
current best practices for historic site management;
(5)  acquire resources and seek donations for the first
(A)  accepting and managing donations of money,
land, historical relics, or other donations supporting the site's
(B)  seeking grant opportunities and
public-private partnerships to increase funding for site
preservation and improvement efforts; and
(C)  acquiring property and artifacts aligned
with the historical significance of the site that contribute to the
(6)  strategically develop the first capitol site and
(A)  identifying and acquiring real property
adjacent or relevant to the site to support the mission of and
(B)  ensuring all acquisition of real property
aligns with the historical context of the site and contributes to an
authentic and immersive visitor experience; and
(C)  engaging in strategic planning to enhance the
site's presence in the nearby community and promote heritage
(7)  facilitate community engagement and partnership
for the first capitol site and replica by:
(A)  collaborating with local organizations,
schools, and other relevant stakeholders to foster community
involvement and support of the site;
(B)  establishing partnerships with historical
societies, institutions of higher education, and cultural
organizations to strengthen the site's educational impact; and
(C)  hosting events, lectures, and programs that
encourage public participation and awareness of this state's
(8)  ensure responsible stewardship of resources and
the first capitol site and replica by:
(A)  maintaining ethical and professional
standards for site operations; and
(B)  conducting periodic assessments to measure
progress and identify areas to improve stewardship of the site.
Sec. 442.0682.  GRANTS; DONATIONS.  The commission may
accept a grant or donation for any program or purpose of the first
SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.