SRC-JBJ H.B. 3191 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterH.B. 3191
By: Moreno, Joe (Ellis)
Intergovernmental Relations
5/13/1999
Committee Report (Amended)


DIGEST 

Currently, counties may regulate the use of county parks.  However, the
statutes that authorize the counties contain no provisions for enforcement
of these rules.  H.B. 3191 would a create a Class C misdemeanor offense for
a violation of a county park rule. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 3191 amends regulations regarding the imposition of a
criminal penalty and the use of fines for a violation of a rule concerning
the use of county parks. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is granted to the board of park commissioners in
SECTION 1 (Section 320.0455(b), Local Government Code) of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Chapter 320C, Local Government Code, by adding Section
320.0455, as follows: 

Sec. 320.0455.  RULES IN A POPULOUS COUNTY; PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS. Applies
this section to a county with a population of 2.8 million or more.
Authorizes the board of park commissioners (board) to adopt reasonable
rules concerning the use of any park administered by the board.  Provides
that a person commits a Class C misdemeanor offense if a person violates a
rule approved by the commissioners court under Subsection (b).  Requires
the fines collected to be deposited in the county's general fund. 

SECTION 2.Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 3.Emergency clause.