LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 79TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 4, 2005

TO:	Honorable Harvey Hilderbran, Chair, House Committee on Culture, Recreation, & Tourism
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB2026 by Hilderbran (Relating to the taking and possession of certain wildlife or eggs, including requirements related to taxidermy and tanning and to harmful aquatic plants; imposing a penalty. ), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill alters various sections of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, including  the disposition of confiscated game, separate offenses, non-resident license requirements, license privileges, game breeder's license, alligators, provisions generally applicable to hunting, and licenses and regulations for fur-bearing animals.  The bill would authorize the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to sell confiscated game, would prohibit computer-assisted remote hunting, and would require persons to dispose of harmful aquatic plants after leaving public or private bodies of water.  The bill specifically removes the requirement for a separate alligator hunting license for both residents and non-residents.

According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the repeal of this requirement will result in a net revenue loss of $30,858 per fiscal year to the General Revenue-Dedicated Game, Fish and Water Safety Account No. 9.  Annual revenues to the General Revenue-Dedicated Game, Fish and Water Safety Account No. 9 from hunting and fishing licenses exceed $79.0 million, and as such, the anticipated revenue loss will not have a significant fiscal impact.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

802 Parks and Wildlife Department

LBB Staff:

JOB, WK, ZS, TB