LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 79TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 12, 2005

TO:	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:	SB453 by Armbrister (Relating to the disposition of an abandoned watercraft.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend Chapter 683 of the Transportation Code to authorize law enforcement agencies that have or acquire abandoned watercraft to transfer these watercraft to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) for use in the Artificial Reef Program.  TPWD would have the right to refuse the watercraft if it did not meet standards for appropriate reef material or if funds needed to use the watercraft are not available. No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated, because TPWD indicates current staff can administer the provisions of the bill and because of the value of the watercraft is minimal. 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.

Source Agencies:

802 Parks and Wildlife Department

LBB Staff:

JOB, WK, ZS, TB