Honorable Brian Birdwell, Chair, Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Economic Development
FROM:
Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB700 by Buckingham (Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Parks and Wildlife Code to continue the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) for 12 years. The bill would require the agency to create and distribute a training manual for members of the Parks and Wildlife Commission. It would require TPWD to maintain a system for handling complaints filed with the agency. The bill would require the agency to measure the effectiveness of its Land and Water Resources Conservation and Recreation Plan and to evaluate the progress made on the plan every five years. The agency would be required to establish a policy for risk-based inspections of nonrecreational permits and licenses. The bill would take effect September 1, 2021.
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.
Source Agencies:
116 Sunset Advisory Commission, 802 Parks and Wildlife Department