Sec. 442.0074. PRESERVATION, MAINTENANCE, AND IMPROVEMENT OF REPUBLIC OF TEXAS GRANITE BOUNDARY MARKER. (a) In this section, "boundary marker" means the granite marker designating the former international boundary between the Republic of Texas and the United States, originally placed in 1841 at its location in Panola County near Farm to Market Road No. 31, at or about 32°2'3"N, 94°2'35"W, and known as the Republic of Texas Granite Boundary Marker and the International Boundary Marker.

(b) To the extent authorized by law, the commission shall preserve, maintain, and improve the boundary marker and state land adjacent to the boundary marker and shall:

(1) design and construct a structure or device sufficient to protect the boundary marker from vandalism, theft, and natural elements;

(2) display historical and educational information on a sign or plaque at the boundary marker site to inform the public of the history of the boundary marker and the region;

(3) cooperate with the federal government and other persons as necessary to facilitate the implementation of duties imposed by this section; and

(4) take other action the commission determines necessary to preserve, maintain, restore, and improve the boundary marker and the state grounds adjacent to the boundary marker for the beautification and cultural enhancement of the property as a significant historical site in this state.

(c) Notwithstanding any other law, any power or duty related to the boundary marker formerly vested in another state agency is vested solely in the commission.

(d) The commission may spend money appropriated to the commission for purposes of this section only to accomplish those purposes.

(e) The commission may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations of money or property from any public or private source to be used for the purposes of this section.

(f) The commission, in consultation with each state senator and representative in whose district the boundary marker is located and other interested parties, may:

(1) replace the original boundary marker with a replica boundary marker;

(2) preserve, maintain, and display the original boundary marker at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum; and

(3) perform the duties assigned by Subsection (b) with respect to the replica boundary marker at the original boundary marker location.

Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 607 (S.B. 907), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.