State Preservation Board

Final Results of Last Sunset Review

The following material summarizes results of the 2012-2013 Sunset review of the State Preservation Board, including statutory changes made through Senate Bill 201 (83R) and management actions directed to the Board and agency that did not require statutory change. For additional information see the State Preservation Board Sunset Final Report with Legislative Action.

Continuation and Governance

• Continues the State Preservation Board for 12 years.
• Allows certain Board members to designate representatives to participate in meetings.
• Requires the Board to meet at least twice per year.
• The Board should resume oversight of SPB at a level typical of other agencies.  (management action – nonstatutory)

Agency Operations

• Guides development of needed budgeting and planning tools.

     –  Directs SPB to create and maintain an agency operating budget that includes all areas of expenditure and funding. (management action – nonstatutory)

     –  Establishes the Governor’s Mansion Renewal Trust Fund for the maintenance and preservation of the Governor’s Mansion.

     –  Directs SPB to create a comprehensive five-year capital improvement plan across all properties it manages and an annual project schedule. (management action – nonstatutory)

     –  SPB should conduct a regular, comprehensive assessment of the agency’s enterprise functions to evaluate potential for optimizing revenue. (management action – nonstatutory)

     –  The Board should modify its proposed rules governing SPB’s relationships with its affiliated nonprofit organizations to specifically address standards of conduct and ensure adherence to accepted best practices. (management action – nonstatutory)

• Authorizes development of staff policies and procedures.

     –  SPB should develop and implement a succession plan to prepare for impending retirements and workforce changes. (management action – nonstatutory)

     –  Directs SPB to formally document and regularly update its key duties and procedures in writing, and make them available electronically. (management action – nonstatutory)

     –  Directs SPB to develop and implement an agencywide staff training and development policy. (management action – nonstatutory)

Museum Operations

• Requires the SPB executive director to employ a museum director to operate and manage the Museum.
• Requires the Board to adopt reasonable policies for naming areas within the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.
• Directs the Board to adopt a policy that clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of the museum director and the executive director in the management of the Museum. (management action – nonstatutory)
• Directs the agency to develop a separate strategic plan and annual report for the Museum by January 2013, and continue to provide the Museum Fund Annual Report.  (management action –     nonstatutory)
• Directs the Board to develop a policy on the use of the Museum Fund that governs the Fund’s balances by January 2013. (management action – nonstatutory)
• Provides the museum director with authority to create an advisory council to provide additional advice and expertise on Museum programming and operations by January 2013. (management action – nonstatutory)