A newly filed bill in the Texas State Legislature seeks to place the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum (PPHM) under the management of the Texas Historical Commission (THC) as the museum grapples with a sudden closure due to critical safety concerns.
On March 14, Texas House District 86 Representative John Smithee introduced HB 5554, a bill authorizing the THC to take over operations of PPHM through a contractual agreement with the Panhandle-Plains Historical Society. The legislation also allows THC to collaborate with West Texas A&M University or The Texas A&M University System for museum-related renovations, maintenance, and management.
Museum Closure Following State Fire Marshal Report
PPHM, located on the West Texas A&M University campus in Canyon, Texas, was forced to close immediately following a State Fire Marshal’s report issued on Monday. The inspection identified severe fire and life safety concerns, prompting museum officials to shut down public access until further notice.
Key safety issues identified in the report included:
Inadequate sprinkler systems throughout the facility,
The presence of dead-end hallways, which pose an evacuation hazard,
A lack of immediately accessible exits in all areas of the museum.
Addressing these safety concerns will require extensive renovations, with the estimated cost for repairs and upgrades reaching almost $100 million.
Bill Outlines New Management Structure and Responsibilities
If passed, HB 5554 would allow the Texas Historical Commission to assume control of the museum’s operations under a formal contract with the Panhandle-Plains Historical Society. The agreement would include:
Managing and maintaining the museum’s collection, facilities, and assets,
Expanding and renovating museum buildings as needed,
Hiring a museum director and staff necessary for operations,
Accepting and acquiring historical artifacts and financial donations,
Administering the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum Fund, with the option to contract the Panhandle-Plains Historical Society for fund administration.
Additionally, the bill grants THC the authority to contract with West Texas A&M University or The Texas A&M University System for construction and facility upgrades as necessary.
What’s Next for PPHM?
The bill’s filing comes at a critical time for the museum, which now faces an uncertain future as it works to address significant safety concerns. The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum is one of Texas’ most prominent historical institutions, housing an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits showcasing the history and culture of the Texas Panhandle and Southern Plains region.
If HB 5554 moves forward in the legislative process, state oversight could provide much-needed financial and structural support for the museum. However, whether the bill will receive swift approval—and if the state will allocate necessary funding—remains to be seen.
