TITLE cultural-resources

Part VI. Texas Emancipation Juneteenth Cultural and Historical Commission

Chapter 81. General Rules for Operation of the Commission

13 TAC §§81.1, 81.3, 81.5, 81.7

The Texas Emancipation Juneteenth Cultural and Historical Commission adopts new §§81.1, 81.3, 81.5, and 81.7, concerning the basic operational procedures of the commission. The proposed sections were published in the December 11, 1998, issue of the Texas Register (23 TexReg 12571). These sections are adopted without changes, therefore, the text will not be republished.

JUSTIFICATION

These sections are adopted to clearly provide for the day-to-day operation of the commission. The enabling statue provides only general authority for the commission, and it is necessary to adopt these sections to authorize the chairman to handle routine matters between commission meetings and to appoint committees to perform elements of the work of the commission, to allow the commission to authorize expenditures and enter into contracts, and to provide procedures for establishing the advisory committee authorized by the legislature.

Section 81.1 provides definitions of the terms "Chairman," "Commission," and "Juneteenth." Section 81.3 provides for the selection of a chairman of the Commission at the first meeting of each state fiscal year by election from among the members. The chairman may select a vice chairman to serve in the absence of the chairman and may appoint committees of the Commission. The rule assigns certain duties to the chairman of the Commission, including the authority to call meetings and set their agenda, approve expenditures and hire staff. The Commission may delegate duties to staff by resolution, except the authority to approve rules. The Commission may contract as necessary to carry out its duties. Section 81.5 provides for the budget and finances of the Commission. The Commission must annually approve a budget for the Commission and biennially approve a legislative appropriation request. The Commission may accept donation of money or real or personal property for the purposes of the Commission. Section 81.7 provides that the Commission may select an advisory committee to advise the Commission on matters pertaining to the construction, dedication, and maintenance of a monument for the commemoration of Juneteenth. The advisory committee will be selected through nominations from the members of the Commission and a final vote by the Commission. Members of the advisory committee may be reimbursed on the same basis as member of the Commission.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the new rules.

The new sections are adopted under the Texas Government Code, Title 4, Subtitle D, Chapter 448. The Texas Emancipation Juneteenth Cultural and Historical Commission was established by the Legislature in 1997 through the adoption of House Bill 1216, and is effective September 1, 1997. Section 448.031, Texas Government Code, provides the Commission with the authority to promulgate rules to effect the purposes of this chapter.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 10, 1999.

TRD-9903433

Representative Al Edwards

Chairman

Texas Emancipation Juneteenth Cultural and Historical Commission

Effective date: June 30, 1999

Proposal publication date: December 11, 1998

For further information, please call: (512) 463-0518