SRC-MWN H.B. 2719 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2719
77R10174 MXM-DBy: Noriega (Brown)
Natural Resources
5/11/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Enhancement of artificial reefs may increase the economic development of
the coastal region and contribute to the tax base of Texas through fishing,
tourism, and diving. According to a 1996 report by the American
Sportfishing Association, the annual economic impact of sportfishing in
Texas is almost $2 billion. H.B. 2719 requires TxDOT to coordinate with the
Parks and Wildlife Department and local governments for the use of obsolete
bridges, tunnels, and causeways to create artificial reefs and sets forth
provisions regarding the funding for coordinating such efforts.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a
state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 89A, Parks and Wildlife Code, by adding Section
89.005, as follows: 

Sec. 89.005.  USE OF BRIDGES, TUNNELS, AND CAUSEWAYS. (a)  Requires the
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to coordinate with the Parks and
Wildlife Department (department) and local governments to use obsolete
bridges, tunnels, and causeways to create artificial reefs under this
chapter. 

(b)  Authorizes TxDOT to transfer obsolete bridges, tunnels, and causeways
to the department to create artificial reefs. 

(c)  Authorizes the department to provide assistance, including money, to a
local government to fulfill the purposes of this section. 

(d)  Authorizes any money appropriated to the department for the artificial
reef program under this chapter to be used for the purposes of this
section. 
 
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.