LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 78TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
April 14, 2003

TO:
Honorable Troy Fraser, Chair, Senate Committee on Business & Commerce
 
FROM:
John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
SB1775 by Estes (relating to the regulation of marine manufacturers, dealers, and distributors. ), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted



Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for SB1775, Committee Report 1st House, Substituted: 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
Probable Savings/(Cost) from
GAME,FISH,WATER SAFETY AC
9
2004 $299,000 $26,400
2005 $0 $27,900
2006 $299,000 $27,900
2007 $0 $27,900
2008 $299,000 $30,400

Fiscal Analysis

The bill amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to require the licensing of boat dealers, distributors, and manufacturers by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). The bill sets the license fee at $500. A license would be valid for two years and could not be transferred to another person. The bill authorizes the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission to establish rules and regulations to administer the program including the setting of administrative fees for access to ownership records, and issuing bonded titles.

Methodology

Based on Section 31.041(d) of the substitute, this analysis assumes the $500 fee is a replacement rather than an addition to the currently authorized fee of $130.  The estimate is based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Census' 2000 County Business Patterns—Texas on boat dealers, manufacturers, and distributors, and was adjusted for a licensing frequency of two years and the licensing exemption regarding certain small boats. 

Section 31.049(c) of the substitute deletes the requirement for non-negotiable titles. As a result, some cost savings are estimated for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.  These estimates are based on the current number of non-negotiable titles, paper and postage costs.


Technology

None.

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, JRO, MS, ZS