BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 1631
87R5729 BEE-D	By: Guerra et al. (Hughes)
	Water, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
	5/19/2021
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Concerns have been raised regarding the application process for a permit to manage wildlife and exotic animals from an aircraft. The current application process, which is administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), requires landowners to map their land in a relatively complicated electronic mapping system. However, many landowners do not have the time or technical expertise to submit the requisite information or use the mapping system correctly. H.B. 1631 seeks to simplify this application procedure by allowing TPWD to map the applicant's land in the online system for a fee at the applicant's request.

H.B. 1631 amends current law relating to the requirements for an application for a permit to manage wildlife and exotic animals from aircraft and authorizes a fee.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission in SECTION 1 (Section 43.1055. Parks and Wildlife Code) of this bill.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter G, Chapter 43, Parks and Wildlife Code, by adding Section 43.1055, as follows:

Sec. 43.1055. MAP SUBMITTED WITH PERMIT APPLICATION. (a) Defines "georeferenced map."

(b) Requires an applicant for a permit under Subchapter G (Permits to Manage Wildlife and Exotic Animals from Aircraft), except as described by Subsection (d), to submit with the application:

(1)� either:

(A) a georeferenced map in a format prescribed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) showing the exact boundaries of the property where the management of wildlife or exotic animals is to be performed; or

(B) a map in a format prescribed by TPWD clearly indicating the location and boundaries of the property where the management of wildlife or exotic animals is to be performed and the fee established by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (TPWC) under Subsection (c); and

(2)� a signed, written statement stating that the map or georeferenced map provided under Subdivision (1) is true and correct.

(c) Requires TPWC by rule to establish a fee in an amount reasonably necessary to cover the cost of converting a map described by Subsection (b)(1)(B) to a georeferenced map.

(d) Requires TPWD to maintain a record of all maps submitted under this section. Prohibits TPWD from requiring an applicant to submit a map of a property for which a map has previously been submitted under this section.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2021.