LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 79TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 10, 2005

TO:	Honorable Kenneth Armbrister, Chair, Senate Committee on Natural Resources
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB2685 by Gallego (Relating to the acceptance of gratuities by certain employees of the Parks and Wildlife Department.), As Engrossed

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Parks and Wildlife Code to allow certain employees of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TWPD) to accept gratuities offered by customers in a food service establishment located within a state park owned and operated by TPWD.  The bill authorizes the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission to adopt rules to implement bill provisions.  The bill would also amend sections of the Penal Code and Government Code to provide exceptions for state park employees from laws governing the acceptance of gratuities by state employees.

TPWD indicates the bill may result in improved recruitment and retention of food service workers in state parks by allowing the standard restaurant practice of service tipping.  To the extent the bill results in better recruitment and retention of state employees, the bill is not anticipated to 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, DLBa, WK, ZS, TB