SB1426

Regular Session

Relating to operation and management of the first capitol state historic site and replica by the Texas Historical Commission.

LowStandard timeline

Low Cost

Effective:2025-09-01

Enforcing Agencies

Texas Historical Commission

Compliance Analysis

Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation

Implementation Timeline

Effective Date: September 1, 2025
Procurement Activation: October 2025 – March 2026 (Anticipated RFP release window based on FY2026 funding).
Agency Rulemaking: The THC is not required to promulgate public rules for this transfer, but will internally define "historically accurate" architectural standards prior to soliciting bids.

Immediate Action Plan

Monitor the ESBD: Direct bid teams to monitor the Electronic State Business Daily starting August 2025 for THC solicitations.
Audit Insurance Coverage: Potential vendors must verify that Builders Risk and Professional Liability policies cover the "care, custody, and control" of irreplaceable historical artifacts.
Update Vendor Profiles: Ensure your company is registered as a vendor with the THC and that your "Historic Preservation" commodity codes are active.
Real Estate Valuation: If you own commercial property in West Columbia near the site, commission a current appraisal to establish a baseline value before state acquisition activities begin.

Operational Changes Required

Contracts

Government Vendors: If bidding on the visitor center or Senate replica, your Master Service Agreements (MSAs) must align with THC standard terms, specifically regarding non-negotiable state indemnification clauses.
Bonding Requirements: Contracts exceeding $25,000 will trigger payment bond requirements, and those exceeding $100,000 will trigger performance bond requirements under Texas Government Code Chapter 2253.
Real Estate: Property owners adjacent to the site should prepare for potential purchase offers. Review title deeds and appraisals early if your land is "relevant" to the site's expansion.

Hiring/Training

Pre-Qualification: Construction and architecture firms must update their qualifications to demonstrate adherence to the *Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties*. General commercial construction experience will likely be insufficient for the "historically accurate" components of the bid.
Specialized Staffing: Successful bidders will need site superintendents experienced in managing workflows around sensitive historical artifacts.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

Material Provenance: Vendors must maintain rigorous chains of custody and material sourcing documentation to prove "historical accuracy." Failure to produce this documentation will delay payment milestones.
Donation Substantiation: Businesses donating to the project (as encouraged by the statute) must retain specific acknowledgment letters from the THC to claim tax deductions for contributions to a public entity.

Fees & Costs

No New Fees: There are no new regulatory fees imposed on the private sector.
Bid Preparation Costs: Vendors should budget for higher-than-average bid preparation costs due to the specialized nature of the required historical research and preservation planning.

Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations

Definition of "Historically Accurate": The statute mandates the construction of a Senate replica that is "historically accurate" but does not define the specific era or architectural benchmark. This creates a risk of scope creep. Contractors must demand a precise definition of "accuracy" during the pre-bid Q&A process to avoid unbillable change orders later.
Scope of Land Acquisition: The THC is authorized to acquire land "adjacent or relevant" to the site. The term "relevant" is undefined, granting the agency broad discretion. Landowners in the wider West Columbia vicinity face uncertainty regarding potential eminent domain or strategic acquisition zones.

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Legislative Timeline

This bill's path through the Texas Legislature

TopicsHistoric Preservation & Museums State Finances State Finances--management & Control Historical Commission, Texas Public Lands, Buildings & Resources

Official Analysis

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BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 1426
89R9169 SCF-D	By: Huffman
	Finance
	3/11/2025
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

S.B. 1426 grants the Texas Historical Commission jurisdiction over, and responsibility for maintaining, preserving, and operating, the First Capitol State Historic Site and replica building of the First Republic of Texas House of Representatives located in West Columbia, Texas.

As proposed, S.B. 1426 amends current law relating to operation and management of the first capitol state historic site and replica by the Texas Historical Commission.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 442, Government Code, by adding Subchapter B-3, as follows:

SUBCHAPTER B-3. FIRST CAPITOL STATE HISTORIC SITE

Sec. 442.068.� DEFINITIONS.� Defines "commission," "first capitol site," and� "replica."

Sec. 442.0681.� JURISDICTION AND MAINTENANCE OF FIRST CAPITOL SITE AND REPLICA.� (a)� Provides that the first capitol state historic site located in West Columbia, Texas (first capitol site), and the replica of the first Republic of Texas house of representatives building housed on the first capitol site (replica) are under the jurisdiction of the Texas Historical Commission (THC).� Provides that THC is responsible for the preservation, maintenance, and operation of the site and replica.

(b) Requires THC to:

(1)� develop, expand, and manage the first capitol site and replica by:

(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 accessibility; and

(C)� providing financial support for ongoing operations and new projects, such as administration, personnel, and site improvements;

(2)� enhance the facilities and infrastructure for the site by:

(A)� relocating the replica to a historically accurate location on the site;

(B)� constructing a historically accurate replication of the first Republic of Texas senate building on the site;

(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 purpose and mission;

(3)� assume responsibility for the historic preservation and interpretation of the first capitol site and replica by:

(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 services;

(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 capitol site and replica by:

(A)� accepting and managing donations of money, land, historical relics, or other donations supporting the site's mission;

(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 site's mission and narrative;

(6)� strategically develop the first capitol site and replica by:

(A)� identifying and acquiring real property adjacent or relevant to the site to support the mission of and expand the site;

(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 tourism;

(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 history; and

(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.� Authorizes THC to accept a grant or donation for any program or purpose of the first capitol site and replica.

SECTION 2.� Effective date: September 1, 2025.

Senate Authors

Sen. Joan HuffmanRepublican · Primary Author

House Sponsors

Rep. Cody VasutRepublican · Primary Sponsor

Joint Sponsors

Bill Text(with markup)

S.B. No. 1426

View bill text in multiple formats on Texas Legislature website

Fiscal NoteView Original

	AN ACT
	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
	Commission.
	(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
	capitol site.
	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
	site and replica.
	(b) The commission shall:
	(1) develop, expand, and manage the first capitol site
	and replica by:
	(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
	accessibility; and
	(C) providing financial support for ongoing
	operations and new projects, such as administration, personnel, and
	site improvements;
	(2) enhance the facilities and infrastructure for the
	site by:
	(A) relocating the replica to a historically
	accurate location on the site;
	(B) constructing a historically accurate
	replication of the first Republic of Texas senate building on the
	site;
	(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
	purpose and mission;
	(3) assume responsibility for the historic
	preservation and interpretation of the first capitol site and
	replica by:
	(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) employing a site director and other personnel
	the commission considers necessary to fulfill the commission's
	duties and responsibilities for the site;
	(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
	capitol site and replica by:
	(A) accepting and managing donations of money,
	land, historical relics, or other donations supporting the site's
	mission;
	(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
	site's mission and narrative;
	(6) strategically develop the first capitol site and
	replica by:
	(A) identifying and acquiring real property
	adjacent or relevant to the site to support the mission of and
	expand the site;
	(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
	tourism;
	(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
	history; and
	(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
	capitol site and replica.
	SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.

LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 89TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION


April 1, 2025

TO:	Honorable Joan Huffman, Chair, Senate Committee on Finance

FROM:	Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board

IN RE:	SB1426 by Huffman (Relating to operation and management of the first capitol state historic site and replica by the Texas Historical Commission.), As Introduced

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for SB1426, As Introduced: a negative impact of ($3,025,100) through the biennium ending August 31, 2027.

The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.

General Revenue-Related Funds, Five- Year Impact:

Fiscal Year	Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to General Revenue Related Funds
2026	($2,522,550)
2027	($502,550)
2028	($519,100)
2029	($519,100)
2030	($539,100)

All Funds, Five-Year Impact:

Fiscal Year	Probable Savings/(Cost) from General Revenue Fund 1	Change in Number of State Employees from FY 2025
2026	($2,522,550)	4.0
2027	($502,550)	4.0
2028	($519,100)	4.0
2029	($519,100)	4.0
2030	($539,100)	4.0

Fiscal Analysis

The bill would establish the First Capitol of Texas State Historic Site. The Texas Historical Commission would be responsible for preservation, maintenance, and operation of the site and replica buildings. The agency's responsibilities would also include the relocation of the existing House of Representatives building replica, construction of a Senate building replica, and construction of a visitors center.

Methodology

According to the commission, costs were determined by analyzing associated costs of similar projects and site operations and reviewing historical pricing data for comparable work. The estimates reflect industry standards, material and labor costs, and the site-specific requirements of operating a historic site. Adjustments were also made for inflation, regional pricing variations, and any unique construction methods necessary to maintain historical accuracy while ensuring modern structural integrity.

This analysis includes a one-time capital cost of $2,000,000 in fiscal year 2026. This cost would include the acquisition of property at the First Capitol State Historic site, the relocation of the house of representatives building replica and the construction of a senate building replica.

The Historical Commission projects an additional 4.0 FTEs would be required to implement the provisions of this bill: 1.0 Park/Historic Site Superintendent III, 1.0 Customer Service Representative III, 1.0 Education Specialist III, and 1.0 Maintenance Specialist III. The total salaries, wages and benefits for these positions would total $330,995 in fiscal years 2026 and 2027, then increase to $347,545 in fiscal years 2028-30.

Additional administrative costs are estimated at $171,555 per fiscal year.

Technology

This analysis includes a technology cost of $20,000 in fiscal year 2026 for laptops and equipment and an additional $20,000 in fiscal year 2030 for the agency's scheduled technology refresh.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

808 Historical Commission

LBB Staff:

JMc, KK, LCO, JKe, NV

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about SB1426

What does Texas SB1426 do?

SB1426 transfers jurisdiction of the First Capitol State Historic Site to the Texas Historical Commission (THC) and mandates a $2 million capital improvement project starting Fiscal Year 2026. This law does not impose new regulations on general business operations; instead, it creates significant procurement opportunities for construction firms specializing in historic preservation and triggers potential real estate acquisition in West Columbia. Implementation Timeline Effective Date: September 1, 2025 Procurement Activation: October 2025 – March 2026 (Anticipated RFP release window based on FY2026 funding).

Who authored SB1426?

SB1426 was authored by Texas Senator Joan Huffman during the Regular Session.

When was SB1426 signed into law?

SB1426 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 15, 2025.

Which agencies enforce SB1426?

SB1426 is enforced by Texas Historical Commission.

How urgent is compliance with SB1426?

The compliance urgency for SB1426 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the requirements and timeline to ensure timely compliance.

What is the cost impact of SB1426?

The cost impact of SB1426 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

What topics does SB1426 address?

SB1426 addresses topics including historic preservation & museums, state finances, state finances--management & control, historical commission, texas and public lands, buildings & resources.

Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: November 25, 2025

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