TITLE: Relating to a grant program for the preservation and restoration of, and education regarding, certain landmarks and buildings important to African American history in this state.

SUMMARY: Relating to a grant program for the preservation and restoration of, and education regarding, certain landmarks and buildings important to African American history in this state.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to a grant program for the preservation and restoration of, and education regarding, certain landmarks and buildings important to African American history in this state. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 442, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 442.034 to read as follows: Sec. 442.034. GRANT PROGRAM FOR HISTORIC LANDMARKS IMPORTANT TO AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY. (a) The commission shall establish a grant program to preserve, renovate, and restore buildings and landmarks that highlight the history, struggles, and triumphs of the African American community in this state. (b) The commission may award grants for the purposes described by Subsection (a) to owners of or to individuals or nonprofits responsible for the care of a historic landmark or building important to the history of the African American community in this state. The commission shall establish procedures to administer the grant program, including eligibility standards and procedures for applying for a grant under this section. (c) A grant recipient may use a grant awarded under this section to: (1) preserve, maintain, and restore a historic landmark or building important to the history of the African American community in this state; and (2) develop educational programs relevant to those landmarks and buildings to be used on the site. (d) The commission may solicit gifts, grants, and donations from any private or public source for the purposes of this section. SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, the Texas Historical Commission shall adopt rules to implement Section 442.034, Government Code, as added by this Act. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.