PUC S.B. 991 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


STATE RECREATIONAL RESOURCES
S.B. 991
By: Ellis (Naishtat)
5-7-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

Currently, a state parklands passport is available to Texans who are 65
years of age and over or disabled veterans.  The passport gives its holder
a discount or waiver on the entrance fee to Texas state parks.  In 1990,
the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act gave all disabled citizens free   
access to federal parks.

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 991 authorizes disabled individuals to apply for a state
parklands passport and requires the Parks and Wildlife Commission to
establish eligibility requirements and privileges for disabled individuals
who have a state parklands passport. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is granted to the Parks and Wildlife Commission in
SECTION 1 (Section 13.018(e), Parks and Wildlife Code) of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 13.018, Parks and Wildlife Code, by amending
Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (e), to authorize an individual who
has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more
of the major life activities of the individual to apply to the Texas Parks
and Wildlife Department for a state parklands passport.  Requires the
Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, by rule, to establish eligibility
requirements and privileges available to the holder of a state parklands
passport described in Subsection (a)(3).  Makes a conforming change. 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.