BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

                                                                                                                                    C.S.H.B. 2414

                                                                                                                                     By: Isett, Carl

                                                                                                          Culture, Recreation, & Tourism

                                                                                                        Committee Report (Substituted)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

Current law allows for the hunting of non-game species on a public road or right of way provided they are on foot and not in a vehicle.  This can be a safety issue as well as being detrimental to populations of animals needed for the survival of other species.

CSHB2414 will prohibit the hunting of wild animals or birds on a public roads or rights-of-way.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

No rulemaking authority is expressly granted by this bill.

 

ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1 of the bill defines the terms "public road or right-of-way".

 

SECTION 2 of the bill amends Subchapter A, Chapter 62, Parks and Wildlife Code, by adding Section 62.0031, which prohibits the hunting of wild animals or birds from a public road or right of way, as defined in the bill.  This section does not apply to the trapping of a raptor for educational or sporting purposes.

 

SECTION 3 of the bill provides the effective date.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

The bill is effective upon a 2/3 vote of all members of the legislature.  If a 2/3 favorable vote is not obtained, this bill will be effective on September 1, 2007.

 

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

 

CSHB2414 changes the terminology about what animals may not be hunted from a public road or right of way by substituting "wild animal" for "game animal, wild fowl."  It also provides an exception for trapping of raptors for educational or sporting purposes.