BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 670
State Recreational Resources Committee
March 15, 1995
Committee Report (Unamended)
03-03-95
Introduced



BACKGROUND

In prior years, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department permitted
the performance of game bird field trials, retriever trials, and
other competitive hunting events on wildlife management areas.  The
events were scheduled on areas where the activity was considered
appropriate, and at a time when the activity did not conflict with
other public use or departmental operations.

In response to a liability conflict the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department issued a 1988 moratorium on the use of public lands for
competitive hunting dog events, namely coon hunts and field trials. 
The liability conflict was in fact an incident involving the
destruction of a participant's hunting dog by a neighboring
landowner, who subsequently was ordered to pay restitution.


PURPOSE

This bill will allow competitive hunting dog events on areas
controlled by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and
designated by the commission as a public hunting area.  


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly
grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer,
department, agency or institution.


SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 62, Parks and Wildlife
Code by adding Section 62.016.

     Sec. 62.016. COMPETITIVE HUNTING DOG EVENTS.  Provides that
the department      may permit a person to hold or participate in
a competitive hunting dog event, including   a field trial, in an
area controlled by the department and designated by the department
as   a public hunting area.  The participant is prohibited from
using firearms or from taking      wildlife in the event.  The
event also does not keep a person from hunting during a     designated hunting season.

SECTION 2.  Emergency clause, effective upon passage.


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

H.B. 670 was considered by the Committee on State Recreational
Resources in a public hearing on March 15, 1995.


The following persons testified in favor of the bill:
     Lee Caldwell, representing Texas State Coon Hunters
Association
     Michael Staggs, representing the Texas State Coon Hunters
Association; and
     Eddie Fewder, representing the Texas State Coon Hunters
Association.

The following person testified against the bill:
     Ellis Gilleland, representing himself.

The bill was reported favorably without amendment, with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed, by a record vote of
8 ayes, 0 nays, 0 pnv, 1 absent.