Q
What does Texas HB5616 do?
HB5616 establishes a state-backed promotional program for the LBJ, George H. W. Bush, and George W.
Signed Into Law
Signed June 20, 2025Effective 2025-09-01
HB5616
Regular Session
Relating to the Texas presidential library promotion program and funding for the program.
Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis
HB5616: Government Affairs Overview
HB5616 establishes a state-backed promotional program for the LBJ, George H. W. Bush, and George W.
Rep. Donna Howard·House Bill·Regular Session
LowStandard timeline
Low Cost
Effective:2025-09-01
Enforcing Agencies
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HB5616
Relating to the Texas presidential library promotion program and funding for the program.
Low Urgency
Heavily Contested
House Vote90 - 45
YEA
NAY
67% in favor135 voting
Senate Vote26 - 5
YEA
NAY
84% in favor31 voting
50
Total Opposition Votes
Cost Impact
Low
Effective
2025-09-01Enforcing Agencies
Texas Historical Commission
Primary Author: Rep. Donna Howard
89th Texas Legislature
jdkey.com
01
Compliance Analysis
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
Implementation Timeline
- Effective Date: September 1, 2025
- Compliance Deadline: N/A (Voluntary participation/procurement based).
- Agency Rulemaking: The THC is mandated to establish the program "as soon as practicable" after September 1, 2025. We anticipate the release of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) or program guidelines in Q1 2026.
Immediate Action Plan
- Business Development: Direct government relations teams to monitor THC agendas starting September 2025 for the selection of the nonprofit administrator.
- CSR Review: Advise corporate giving committees that solicitations for this specific state fund are imminent; determine if historical preservation aligns with 2026 giving goals.
- Risk Assessment: If interested in hosting the mobile exhibit, consult insurance carriers immediately regarding coverage limits for borrowing federal/state historical property.
Operational Changes Required
Contracts
- Government Contracting: Members in marketing, logistics, and construction should monitor the Texas Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD). The THC is authorized to contract with a nonprofit entity to administer this program; that entity will likely issue subcontracts for the mandated "mobile exhibit" and marketing campaigns.
- Liability Riders: If your organization (e.g., private venue, corporate campus) intends to host the mandated "mobile exhibit," you must review Premises Liability and Inland Marine/Fine Arts insurance policies to cover high-value historical artifacts.
Hiring/Training
- Specialized Handling: Vendors bidding on the mobile exhibit logistics must demonstrate capability in handling historical artifacts. CDL drivers and logistics staff may require specific security clearances or bonding depending on the value of the artifacts provided by the federal libraries.
Reporting & Record-Keeping
- Grant Accounting: Entities receiving funds from the newly created "Texas Presidential Library Promotion Fund" must segregate these funds. State audit rules will apply to verify expenditures match statutory goals (tourism promotion, exhibit renovation).
- Donation Substantiation: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) officers making donations to this fund must ensure they receive proper government receipting, as these are contributions to a specific state account, not a general 501(c)(3).
Fees & Costs
- No New Fees: There are no mandatory fees imposed on business.
- Funding Reliance: The program is funded by legislative appropriation, gifts, and grants. The Fiscal Note indicates costs are to be "absorbed," implying a heavy reliance on private donations initially.
Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations
- Funding Solvency: The legislation creates the *mechanism* for funding but the Fiscal Note suggests no significant new state appropriation. Warning: Vendors should not sign service agreements until they verify that the "Texas Presidential Library Promotion Fund" has sufficient cash on deposit. Do not rely on promised future donations.
- Security Standards: The bill mandates the mobile exhibit visit "communities and schools" but fails to define security standards for these venues. The THC will likely define strict security protocols (climate control, armed guards) during the rulemaking or contracting phase, which may limit eligible host venues.
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Schedule a ConsultationInformation presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.
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Legislative Timeline
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
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House Authors
Coauthors (3)
Senate Sponsors
Fiscal NoteView Original
Related Legislation
Explore more bills from this author and on related topics
More from Rep. Donna Howard
- HB2187Relating to hospital staffing report and complaint processes and to retaliation and mandatory overtime protections for nurses.
- HB2421Relating to the date of dissolution of the Save Historic Muny District.
- HB2851Relating to including nursing school applications in a consolidated application service.
- HB2856Relating to a study by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board on the feasibility of implementing a statewide system for coordinating clinical training placements.
- HB3073Relating to the prosecution of the offense of sexual assault.
Related by Topic
- HB4187Relating to the authority and responsibilities of the Texas Historical Commission; authorizing fees.
- SB1426Relating to operation and management of the first capitol state historic site and replica by the Texas Historical Commission.
- HB1397Relating to the care, custody, and display of the letter known as the victory or death letter, the Texas Constitution, and the Texas Declaration of Independence.
- SB3059Relating to the preservation, maintenance, restoration, and protection of the Alamo complex and surrounding area by the Alamo Commission.
- SB519Relating to the creation of a grant program to promote educational engagement with Texas history.
Quick Reference
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about HB5616
Q
Who authored HB5616?
HB5616 was authored by Texas Representative Donna Howard during the Regular Session.
Q
When was HB5616 signed into law?
HB5616 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.
Q
Which agencies enforce HB5616?
HB5616 is enforced by Texas Historical Commission.
Q
How significant are the changes in HB5616?
The regulatory priority for HB5616 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.
Q
What is the cost impact of HB5616?
The cost impact of HB5616 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
Q
What topics does HB5616 address?
HB5616 addresses topics including libraries & librarians, state finances, state finances--management & control, historical commission, texas and historic preservation & museums.
Q
What are the key dates for HB5616?
Key dates for HB5616: Effective date is 2025-09-01. Rulemaking: Establish the Texas Presidential Library Promotion Program structure and funding account mechanisms. (As soon as practicable after 2025-09-01). Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.
Need Strategic Guidance on This Legislation?
JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.
Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: January 11, 2026