BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                        S.B. 455

79R3197 SGA-F                                                                                                         By: Armbrister

S/C on Agriculture & Coastal Resources

3/17/2005

As Filed

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Currently, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (department) administers Texas' artificial reef program on sites that are permitted by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE).  The program allows persons to donate materials to the department for construction of an approved reef.  However, ACOE has not approved any applications for private individuals to establish a reef.

As proposed, S.B. 455 allows private citizens, groups, and/or associations to deploy reef material under guidelines and rules established by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Parks and Wildlife Commission in SECTION 1 (Section 89.0025, Parks and Wildlife Code) of this bill.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 89, Parks and Wildlife Code, by adding Sections 89.0025 and 89.006, as follows:

Sec. 89.0025.  RULES.  Authorizes the Parks and Wildlife Commission (commission) to adopt rules and guidelines as necessary to implement this chapter.

Sec. 89.006.  REEF CONSTRUCTION BY OTHERS.  Authorizes the Parks and Wildlife Department to authorize a person to place a donation of reef materials in a permitted zone in accordance with this chapter and commission rules and guidelines.

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2005.