H.B. 2470 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 2470
By: Kuempel
State Cultural and Recreational Resources
Committee Report (Amended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

In 1995, the 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 become available. 

The limited entry program for the commercial bay and bait shrimp fisheries
provides a financial incentive for commercial license holders who wish to
consider getting out of the business. "Grandfathered" commercial licenses
are transferable, but once they are retired through the buyback program
they will not be replaced until the fisheries can sustain increased
pressure. 

House Bill 2470 will allow the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to
increase the amount of money available for the license buyback programs if
additional money is available. HB 2470 will also allow the Department to
use donations, grants or any other money appropriated by the legislature
for the program. The Department is also authorized to solicit donations
and apply for grants to accomplish the goals of the buyback programs. 


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or
institution. 


ANALYSIS

HB 2470 amends the Parks and Wildlife Code by increasing the amount of
money the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department may spend for its license
buyback programs to $2 million. The Department may increase these programs
only if additional funding is available. The Department may use donations,
grants, or other money appropriated for the programs. 


EFFECTIVE DATE

Immediately if the bill receives two-thirds vote in both houses. If not,
effective date is September 1, 2003. 


EXPLANATION OF AMENDMENTS

HB 2470 is amended by removing the last sentence of Section 1 (b) stating
that "the department shall actively solicit donations and apply for any
available grants to finance the increase," and replacing it with "the
department may actively solicit donations and apply for grants to finance
the increase."  This language change stipulates that the Department is not
required, but has the authorization to solicit donations and apply for
grants.