HBA-NIK S.B. 133 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 133
By: Brown
State Recreational Resources
4/4/1999
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

The lightning whelk has been the official state shell since 1987 due to its
unique characteristics and preference for the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Recently, lightning whelk have been unintentionally harvested in shrimpers'
nets.  This activity has the potential to negatively impact lightning whelk
populations.  S.B. 133 prohibits the retention of lightning whelks while
trawling for shrimp. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 77.0191, Parks and Wildlife Code, as follows:

Sec. 77.0191. New title:  RETENTION OF REDFISH, SPECKLED SEA TROUT, AND
LIGHTNING WHELKS.   

(a)  Includes lightning whelk (Busycon perversum pulleyi) among the fish
that are not to be retained by a person using a trawl for the purpose of
taking shrimp. 

(b)  Makes a conforming change.

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 1999.
 Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.