LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 78TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
May 12, 2003

TO:
Honorable Kenneth Armbrister, Chair, Senate Committee on Natural Resources
 
FROM:
John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
HB1989 by Ellis (Relating to hunting and fishing stamps issued by the Parks and Wildlife Department; providing a penalty.), As Engrossed



Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB1989, As Engrossed: an impact of $0 through the biennium ending August 31, 2005.

The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.



Fiscal Year Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to General Revenue Related Funds
2004 $0
2005 $0
2006 $0
2007 $0
2008 $0




Fiscal Year Probable Revenue Gain/(Loss) from
GAME,FISH,WATER SAFETY AC
9
2004 $0
2005 $4,260,000
2006 $4,260,000
2007 $4,260,000
2008 $4,260,000

Fiscal Analysis

This bill would amend the Parks and Wildlife Code to allow the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to issue a freshwater fishing stamp and prohibit freshwater fishing by persons lacking the stamp.

The bill would set the stamp fee at $5, and net proceeds, after deducting the collection fee, would be dedicated to the purchase of fish to be stocked in state public waters or to the repair, renovation, maintenance, or replacement of freshwater hatcheries. Each stamp would be valid for one year from September 1 until August 31.

The bill would also abolish the stamp requirements for muzzleloader hunting, and freshwater trout.

The bill would take effect September 1, 2004 (i.e., fiscal year 2005).


Methodology

The estimated revenue gain to Account 009 as a result of the new freshwater stamp sales is estimated at approximately $4.3 million per year.  This estimate was derived as indicated below.

Freshwater  stamp sales were estimated using average annual sales of resident, non-resident, and special fishing licenses,  reduced by 16% to arrive at the number of anglers who fish in fresh water, then reduced by 6% to adjust for consumer reaction to the higher total cost for freshwater fishing permits.  Sales are valued at  $5 per stamp, reduced by 5% for the sales commission retained by license deputies.   The revenue loss from discontinuing muzzle-loader and freshwater trout stamps was based on 2002 sales, with adjustments for the 5% sales commission, and is estimated to be $108,200 per year . 


Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.


Source Agencies:
304 Comptroller of Public Accounts, 802 Parks and Wildlife Department
LBB Staff:
JK, CL, MS, ZS