The Texas Legislature wants to have veto power over how exhibits at the new 'world class museum' which is set to be the centerpiece of the redesigned Alamo Plaza are presented, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
A joint resolution introduced by State Sen. Bob Hall (R-VanZandt County) calls for a Constitutional Amendment to declare that:
"A state agency with jurisdiction or governance over the Alamo or a museum owned or operated by the state may not allow the Alamo or museum to feature an exhibit that has as its primary theme the history of the Alamo or this state unless the historical narrative for the exhibit is submitted in written form to the legislature and approved in a resolution adopted by a majority of the members of each house of the legislature."
The fact that Hall has proposed a Constitutional Amendment on the issue means it would have to be approved by a two-thirds vote of the state House and Senate, and then be placed up for a public vote, probably in November of 2019. The measure would not require the consent of the Governor Abbott.
The museum, which would house the Phil Collins Collection of Alamo artifacts, plus other priceless items in the control of the Texas General Land Office, would be a centerpiece of the 're-imagining' of Alamo Plaza which was approved by San Antonio City Council just last month.
But many opponents have expressed concern that the Alamo defenders will not be portrayed as 'sufficiently heroic,' and the museum might focus on Native Americans, Spanish explorers, and other historical figures to the detriment of the 1836 battle.
Many of the opponents were spooked by the removal of the Confederate memorial from Travis Park in 2017, and are concerned that the Alamo may also seek to 'rewrite history.'