Honorable Chris Paddie, Chair, House Committee on State Affairs
FROM:
Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB783 by Cyrier (Relating to the powers and duties of the Parks and Wildlife Department regarding wind-powered energy devices; providing a civil penalty.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Parks and Wildlife Code to allow the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to adopt rules that designate locations where the installation of a wind-powered energy device is not authorized. The rules would apply only to a county in which all or part of the Devils River State Natural Area is located or to an adjacent county. A person who violated rules established by TPWD regarding wind-powered energy devices could be subject to civil penalties ranging from $100 to $10,000 for each violation and each day of violation. The bill would take effect September 1, 2021, or immediately if received it a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house.
Based on information provided by TPWD, it is assumed that duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished utilizing existing resources.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.