BILL ANALYSIS



S.B. 72
By: Patterson (Hunter, T.)
February 27, 1995
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

Currently, a person who wishes to obtain the identity of the owner
of a sea vessel or any boat registered with the Texas Parks and
Wildlife Department is able to do so without stating the intent for
requesting the information.

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 72 limits the general public's access to vessel
and boat records department in the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Chapter 31B, Parks and Wildlife Code, by adding
Section 31.0391, as follows:

Sec. 31.0391.  RELEASE OF INFORMATION.  (a)  Prohibits the Texas
Parks and Wildlife Department (department) from releasing the name
or address of a person recorded in the department vessel and
outboard motor ownership records unless the department or county
receives a written request that contains the requestor's name and
address, and states that the use of the information is for a lawful
purpose.

(b)  Provides that this section does not apply to a peace officer,
or a state official or an official of a political subdivision of
the state who requests the information for tax purposes.

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 1995.

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

Public notice was posted in accordance to the rules and a public
hearing was held on February 22, 1995.  The Chair laid out Senate
Bill 72.  Testifying on the bill was Howard Kidwell representing
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.  Representative Turner moved
that the committee report Senate Bill 72 favorably to the full
house with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed by a
record vote of 8 Ayes, 1 Nay, 0 PNV, and 0 Absent.