89R463 SCP-D By: Harris H.B. No. 1397 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the transfer and the care and custody of the letter known as the victory or death letter. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter I, Chapter 31, Natural Resources Code, is amended by adding Section 31.4515 to read as follows: Sec. 31.4515. CARE AND CUSTODY OF VICTORY OR DEATH LETTER; DISPLAY. (a) In this section, "victory or death letter" means the letter written by Lieutenant Colonel William B. Travis dated February 24, 1836, and signed "Victory or Death." (b) The land office is responsible for the care and custody of the victory or death letter. (c) The land office shall designate an appropriate place in the Alamo complex for the storage and display of the victory or death letter. (d) Any power or duty related to the victory or death letter formerly vested in another state agency or entity is vested solely in the land office. SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission shall transfer the letter described by Section 31.4515(a), Natural Resources Code, as added by this Act, to the General Land Office. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.