Museums

Plain English Breakdown

The bill does not specify that it requires the state to purchase the Cotton Museum, only to negotiate its management.

Museums Act

This bill requires the state to negotiate and manage the Cotton Museum in Memphis if approved by the State Building Commission.

What This Bill Does

• Requires the state to enter into good faith negotiations for managing the Cotton Museum in Memphis, subject to approval by the State Building Commission.

Who It Names or Affects

• The state government, specifically the state museum and related commissions.
• The Cotton Museum in Memphis.

Terms To Know

State Building Commission

A group that approves major construction or management changes for buildings owned by the state.

Douglas Henry State Museum Commission

The commission responsible for managing and overseeing state museums in Tennessee.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill does not provide funding, so specific appropriations are needed.
• It is unclear how much operational revenue will be available to the Cotton Museum or what capital expenditures might be required.

Official Summary Text

Abstract summarizes the bill.

Current Bill Text

SENATE BILL 1254
By Lamar

HOUSE BILL 1388
By Harris

HB1388
003336
- 1 -

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4;
Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 11 and Title 12,
relative to museums.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:
SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 12, Part 1, is amended by
adding the following as a new section:
Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, subject to approval by the state
building commission, the state shall enter into good faith negotiations for the
management of the Cotton Museum and, upon approval, shall transfer management and
control of the Cotton Museum to the state museum, to be managed by the Douglas
Henry state museum commission in collaboration with the Tennessee historical
commission.
SECTION 2. This act is not an appropriation of funds, and funds must not be obligated
or expended pursuant to this act unless the funds are specifically appropriated by the general
appropriations act.
SECTION 3. This act takes effect July 1, 2025, the public welfare requiring it.