89th Legislature Regular Session

SCR 29

Overall Vote Recommendation
Neutral
Principle Criteria
Free Enterprise
Property Rights
Personal Responsibility
Limited Government
Individual Liberty
Digest

SCR 29 proposes to officially designate the City of El Paso as the "Boot Capital of Texas." The resolution is an honorary measure recognizing the city's long-standing tradition and global reputation for excellence in the boot-making industry. El Paso is home to some of the most iconic and historically significant Western footwear manufacturers in the United States, including Lucchese, Tony Lama, Rocketbuster, and Caboots. The resolution emphasizes that many of these companies have operated for over a century, maintaining traditional craftsmanship passed down through generations.

SCR 29 celebrates the economic, cultural, and artistic contributions of El Paso’s boot industry. It notes the high-quality products made by the city’s artisans, the jobs the industry creates, and the tourism it attracts. The resolution also underscores how the city’s dedication to preserving its unique heritage enhances Texas’s identity as a symbol of the American West.

The designation is made in accordance with Section 391.003(e) of the Government Code, which governs honorary designations in Texas. As such, the title of "Boot Capital of Texas" will remain in effect for ten years from the date of final legislative passage unless renewed.

Author
Cesar Blanco
Fiscal Notes

SCR 29 has no significant fiscal implications for the State of Texas. As an honorary designation, the resolution does not authorize or mandate any expenditures, create a new program, require state agency oversight, or establish a regulatory framework. It simply acknowledges El Paso’s cultural and economic contributions to the state’s heritage by designating it as the “Boot Capital of Texas” for a period of 10 years.

There are no appropriations attached to this resolution, and it does not trigger any automatic promotional funding or signage requirements at the state level. While some honorary designations in the past have resulted in minor costs when accompanied by state-funded marketing or tourism promotion, this resolution does not compel such activities. Any future promotion or celebration of the designation would fall under the discretion of local entities, such as the City of El Paso, local tourism boards, or private businesses, without a fiscal burden on the state.

Furthermore, since the designation is time-limited under Section 391.003(e) of the Government Code, it includes a built-in sunset clause that prevents indefinite continuation without reauthorization, helping to limit potential long-term costs or administrative considerations. Overall, the resolution represents a symbolic act of recognition rather than a policy or funding commitment, ensuring its fiscal impact remains negligible.

Vote Recommendation Notes

SCR 29 is an honorary resolution that designates El Paso as the "Boot Capital of Texas." It aims to recognize the city's historic and ongoing contributions to the Western boot-making industry through iconic brands such as Lucchese and Tony Lama. While the resolution celebrates cultural heritage and supports an industry rooted in free enterprise, its effect is entirely symbolic and lacks enforceable policy impact.

From a liberty principle perspective, the resolution neither enhances nor restricts individual liberty, private property rights, or limited government. It does not expand state authority or regulatory reach, nor does it impose costs on taxpayers. However, because it does not advance substantive policy or provide measurable outcomes, it could be viewed as a nonessential use of legislative time and attention, especially during a session where more impactful matters may be pending. In this light, it may not meet a high threshold for legislative necessity.

Additionally, while the bill presents no conflict with free enterprise, personal responsibility, or limited government, it also does not meaningfully advance those principles in a concrete way. Thus, Texas Policy Research remains NEUTRAL on SCR 29 in recognition of the bill's harmless nature and celebratory intent.

  • Individual Liberty: The resolution does not affect individual rights or freedoms. It neither grants new liberties nor imposes restrictions. It is purely a ceremonial designation recognizing a cultural and economic tradition in El Paso. Because it doesn't impact personal autonomy or civil liberties, its influence on this principle is neutral.
  • Personal Responsibility: The resolution highlights a craft-based, generational industry built on skill, reputation, and hard work. By recognizing the accomplishments of artisans and entrepreneurs in El Paso, it symbolically affirms the value of individuals who take pride in their craft and economic self-sufficiency. While it does not create any policy to reward or incentivize responsibility, it gives visibility to a community that exemplifies it—making the impact modestly positive.
  • Free Enterprise: El Paso's boot industry is market-driven and globally competitive. The businesses mentioned (e.g., Lucchese, Tony Lama, Rocketbuster) represent private innovation and enterprise. By officially designating El Paso as the “Boot Capital of Texas,” the resolution could contribute to the industry’s brand visibility, supporting market growth through increased tourism and cultural recognition. Because this does not involve state subsidy or intervention, it’s a positive but symbolic nod to free enterprise.
  • Private Property Rights: The resolution does not address land use, property law, eminent domain, or any issues related to ownership or control of property. As such, it has no impact—positive or negative—on private property rights.
  • Limited Government: Because the resolution does not create a program, allocate funds, or establish a new government role, it adheres to the principle of limited government. Its time-limited designation (10 years, per Government Code § 391.003(e)) ensures that the honorary title does not become a permanent statutory fixture. The resolution represents a restrained use of state recognition, making its impact neutral to modestly positive within the limited government framework.
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