LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 78TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 1, 2003

TO:	Honorable David Swinford, Chair, House Committee on Government Reform
FROM:	John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB2965 by Casteel (Relating to the use of state land for public hunting.), As Introduced

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB2965, As Introduced: 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.

This bill requires the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife, to solicit an inventory of all lands that may be suitable for public hunting from other state agencies with land holdings every other year; identify lands on which public hunts are economically feasible; and, submit proposals for public hunts on these lands to the affected agencies.

General Revenue-Related Funds, Five-Year Impact:

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

All Funds, Five-Year Impact:

Fiscal Year	Probable Savings/(Cost) from GAME,FISH,WATER SAFETY AC 9	Change in Number of State Employees from FY 2003
2004	($114,400)	2.0
2005	($114,400)	2.0
2006	($114,400)	2.0
2007	($114,400)	2.0
2008	($114,400)	2.0

Fiscal Analysis

The fiscal impact to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is estimated to be $114,400 in costs each year, for a total of $572,000 over the five years covered by the fiscal note. The department would also incur costs associated with ongoing administration and maintenance of any public hunting areas added to the system. At this time it is difficult to assess exactly how many additional acres might be added to the public hunt system as a result of this bill.  However, the cost for ongoing administration and maintenance of public hunting areas is estimated to be 25 cents per acre, and public hunts on suitable lands would be expected to generate an average of $1.25 per acre in gross revenue.

Methodology

The cost of conducting an assessment of state-owned lands and implementing public hunting programs are based on known costs associated with the use of Wildlife Division staff in performing public hunt program duties. 

Based on past efforts required to incorporate additional lands into the TPWD public hunting program, two positions at the Natural Resource Specialist III level, for a total of $74,136 in salary costs are required by this legislation.  These positions would (1) coordinate with respective agencies in developing an inventory of suitable lands; (2) conduct field evaluations of property to determine suitability of areas for public hunting; (3) develop/negotiate contracts for use of state lands in the public hunting program;(4) conduct wildlife surveys; (5) establish rules and limitations for hunting specific pieces of property; and other related duties. Travel and other operating expenses associated with the two positions are estimated at $9,600 and $9,565, respectively.   This results in a total estimated cost of $114,400 per fiscal year.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:	802 Parks and Wildlife Department
LBB Staff:	JK, GO, MS, ZS