Legislature Advances Bill to Shift Oversight of Alamo; Critics Urge Delay Until 2027

The Texas Legislature is moving forward with Senate Bill 3059, a measure that would transfer oversight of the Alamo from the Texas General Land Office (GLO) to a newly created Alamo Commission. The bill has now reached the halfway mark in the legislative process after being engrossed on May 12, 2025, and House conferees were appointed on May 30, signaling ongoing negotiations over its final form.

The measure has passed multiple House and Senate votes with broad, though not unanimous, support. In the House, final votes showed significant divisions: one vote passed with 74 in favor and 61 against, while another vote passed with a stronger 138-2 tally. The Senate approved the bill 28-2.

Supporters of the bill argue that a dedicated commission is a necessary step to ensure the long-term preservation and management of the Alamo and the surrounding area. The official summary of the bill states it is intended to improve “preservation, maintenance, restoration, and protection” of the historic site.

But critics say the legislation moves too quickly given the complexity of the ongoing Alamo restoration project, which is expected to continue through at least the end of 2027.

Concerns Over Timing and Oversight Transfer

The bill sets a timeline for the transfer of authority, but many are questioning whether that’s wise. The legislation’s own language acknowledges that “unforeseen delays” are likely once full construction begins and suggests that the realities of the project may not be fully known until later.

“This sensitive and historic undertaking” deserves careful management, critics argue, and pushing forward with a mandated transfer timeline could introduce unnecessary risks. They argue it would be more prudent to revisit the issue in 2027, during the 90th Legislative Session, once the project is further along and more information is available.

Commissioner Buckingham Defends GLO’s Role

Current Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham has not commented publicly on the bill itself, but she recently reaffirmed her commitment to the Alamo in a tweet, writing:

“Our Shrine of Liberty — the Alamo is a beacon of Texas independence for all Texans. It stands as a symbol of freedom, sacrifice, and Lone Star pride. Since assuming the role of Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office, I have worked every day to ensure our sacred shrine is protected and preserved.”

Buckingham’s statement underscores the significance of the Alamo in the state’s identity and the central role the GLO has played in its stewardship—a role that SB 3059 would fundamentally alter.

As the bill moves into conference committee, lawmakers will reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions. The debate reflects a broader tension between the urgency to restructure management and the need for caution in handling a site as historically significant—and logistically complex—as the Alamo.

With construction still underway and the site’s future governance at stake, the coming weeks will determine whether Texas presses forward with a new commission—or opts to wait until 2027 for a potentially more informed transition.