Enrolled Bill Summary

House Bill 1989 adds to the Parks and Wildlife Code a new subchapter that expires September 1, 2014, relating to a freshwater fishing stamp. The bill authorizes the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to design and issue a stamp valid for fishing and a collectible stamp available for $5. A person is prohibited from fishing in fresh water for sporting purposes without the stamp. The bill authorizes net receipts from the stamp for fishing to be spent only on maintaining or replacing freshwater fish hatcheries or purchasing stock fish and from the collectible stamp to be spent only on freshwater fish habitats. The bill establishes that the stamp is valid for fishing only during the yearly period for which it is issued and authorizes the commission to issue the stamp during a transition period at a different cost and term. The bill makes failure to acquire or show the stamp or proof of exemption to a game warden or peace officer a Class C Parks and Wildlife Code misdemeanor. House Bill 1989 also repeals the subchapters relating to a muzzleloader hunting stamp and a freshwater trout stamp.