BILL ANALYSIS


                                                          S.B. 72
                                                    By: Patterson
                                                Natural Resources
                                                         02-07-95
                                     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 Department of Parks and
Wildlife.

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 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.