Honorable Mike Jackson, Chair, Senate Committee on S/C on Agriculture & Coastal Resources
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB272 by Williams (Relating to the creation of an oyster license management program.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend Chapter 76 of the Parks and Wildlife Code to require the Parks and Wildlife Commission to create a license management program for the commercial oyster fishery. Under the bill, issuance and renewal of commercial oyster licenses would be based on historical participation in the fishery. The bill would also mandates the creation of an Oyster License Management Review Board to advise the Commission on administration and policies of the program. No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated, because the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department indicates the bill would not create new duties for current staff who manage the license program. The bill would take effect immediately with a two-thirds vote of all members, otherwise the bill would take effect September 1, 2005.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.