BILL ANALYSIS


                                                         H.B. 670
                                         By: Telford (Armbrister)
                                                Natural Resources
                                                         05-04-95
                              Senate Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND

In prior years, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has
permitted competitive hunting events on wildlife management areas. 
The events were scheduled in 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 1988, the department issued a moratorium on the use of public
lands for competitive hunting dog events.

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 670 authorizes the Parks and Wildlife Department
to 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 Parks and Wildlife 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 Chapter 62A, Parks and Wildlife Code, by adding
Section 62.016, as follows:

     Sec.  62.016.  COMPETITIVE HUNTING DOG EVENTS.  Authorizes the
     Parks and Wildlife Department (department) to 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 Parks and Wildlife Commission
     as a public hunting area if a participant is prohibited from
     using a firearm in the event, or taking the wildlife that is
     the object of the event; and the event does not deter other
     persons from hunting during a designated hunting season.
     
     SECTION 2.     Emergency clause.
           Effective date: upon passage.