TX HB5554

Transfers operation and management of the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum in Canyon, Texas from West Texas A&M University to the Texas Historical Commission

Authorizes the Texas Historical Commission to contract with the Panhandle-Plains Historical Society for museum operations, including collection preservation, staffing, accepting donations, and acquiring historical relics

Permits contracts with West Texas A&M University or The Texas A&M University System for construction, renovation, expansion, and maintenance of museum facilities on campus

Creates the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum fund outside the state treasury, funded by admissions revenue, gift shop sales, and donations, which can be spent without legislative appropriation for museum operations and maintenance

Transfers employees of West Texas A&M University assigned exclusively to the museum to the Texas Historical Commission effective September 1, 2025, and removes the museum from the statutory definition of "other agency of higher education"