(a)
(1) The historical properties owned by the state shall be placed under the authority of the commission, which may in its discretion make a contract with any county, municipality or agency within the state or with any nonprofit corporation or organization or with any private individual, partnership, corporation or association for the administration, development or operation of such property, which contract shall be subject to periodic review.
(2) Any such contract made by the commission shall be expressly subject to the requirements of the public purchasing law, title 12, chapter 3.
(3) The commission shall determine criteria for the approval of such properties for state aid, and shall make reasonable rules for the regulation of use by the public of such historical properties under its charge, including the establishment of admission fees to be charged the public.
(b)
(1) The commission, under this chapter, may contract for the preservation, maintenance and operation of the Sam Houston Schoolhouse State Historic Site.
(2) The commission, under the authority of this chapter, shall enter into a suitable contract for the maintenance, preservation and interpretation of the John Sevier Home Historic Site.