The governor appoints the state historian, the historian serves without state compensation, and the office carries specified duties and a two-year designation term.
Sec. 3104.051. STATE HISTORIAN. (a) The state historian shall be appointed by the governor on the recommendation of the Texas Historical Commission and the Texas State Historical Association. If the entities cannot agree on a nominee, each shall submit one candidate to the governor, who shall make the designation. (b) In making an appointment under Subsection (a), the governor may reject one or more of the nominees submitted and request a new list of different nominees. (c) The duties of the state historian shall include: (1) enhancing the knowledge of Texans regarding Texas history and heritage; (2) encouraging the teaching of Texas history in public schools; (3) consulting with the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the legislature on matters related to the promotion of Texas history; and (4) lecturing on matters of Texas history within the state historian's area of expertise. (d) The state historian shall not receive compensation or reimbursement for expenses from the state for serving as state historian. (e) The governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives, or their appointees, shall honor the person designated as state historian in a ceremony at the Capitol. (f) An individual designated as the state historian retains the designation for two years from the date of the ceremony. (g) The facilities and resources of the Texas Historical Commission in Austin shall be made available for the use of the state historian when needed. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 427 (S.B. 1787), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2005.