| TO: | Honorable Harvey Hilderbran, Chair, House Committee on Culture, Recreation, & Tourism |
| FROM: | John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board |
| IN RE: | HB2032 by Hilderbran (Relating to the expansion of the operation game thief program to include certain other violations of law.), As Introduced |
The bill would amend Chapter 12 of the Parks and Wildlife Code relating to the expansion of the operation game thief program (OGT) to include certain other violations of law. The bill would expand the allowable uses of OGT funds to the development, acquisition, and implementation of technological advancements to apprehend and prosecute persons who violate laws protecting the state's natural or cultural resources or the public safety of persons using those natural or cultural resources. Under the bill, OGT funds would remain in an account outside the state treasury.
The bill would expand the reported violations for which a person may apply to the OGT committee for a reward if the information provided leads to the arrest and conviction of a person. The bill would repeal Section 12.203(d) of the Parks and Wildlife Code, which provided rewards for the arrest and conviction of persons in "flagrant violation" of hunting and fishing laws, except for hunting and fishing licensing provisions. No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated, because the bill would amend the use of funds for an account outside the state treasury.
The bill would take effect September 1, 2005.
| Source Agencies: | 802 Parks and Wildlife Department
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| LBB Staff: | JOB, WK, ZS, TB
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