SRC-TJG H.B. 2470 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2470
By: Kuempel (Jackson)
Natural Resources
5/9/2003
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

In 1995, the 74th Texas Legislature authorized a limited entry program for
commercial bay and bait shrimping licenses.  This state program was
designed to reduce commercial shrimping in Texas bays.  Since 1995, no new
commercial bay and bait shrimping licenses have been available.  The
limited entry program for the commercial bay and bait shrimp fisheries
provides financial incentive for commercial license holders who wish to
consider getting out of the business.  H.B. 2470 allows the Texas Parks
and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to increase the amount of money available
for the license buyback program if additional money is available. This
bill also allows TPWD to use donations, grants, or any other money
appropriated by the legislature for the program and urges TPWD to actively
solicit donations and apply for grants to accomplish the goals of the
buyback programs. 

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 Subchapter A, Chapter 12, Parks and Wildlife Code, by
adding Section 12.009, as follows: 

12.009.  FUNDING FOR LICENSE BUYBACK PROGRAMS.  (a) Requires the Texas
Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), if money is available, to increase
the allocations of the license buyback programs under Sections 47.081,
77.119, and 78.111 by $2 million for the fiscal biennium beginning
September 1, 2003. 

(b) Authorizes TPWD to finance the increase in funding under Subsection
(a) by donations, grants, or any money appropriated by the legislature or
otherwise available for the programs.  Authorizes TPWD to actively solicit
donations and apply for grants to finance the increase. 

(c)  Provides that this section expires September 1, 2005.

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2003.