By: Noriega, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Harris) H.B. No. 2130

(In the Senate - Received from the House April 16, 2007; April 17, 2007, read first time and referred to Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations; April 26, 2007, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 4, Nays 0; April 26, 2007, sent to printer.)

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to hunting and fishing license fee exemptions for certain members of the armed forces.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 42.012(b), Parks and Wildlife Code, is amended to read as follows:

(b) The commission may set a lower fee or waive the fee or license requirement for a resident who is under 17 years old, 65 years old or older, or participating in an event that is sponsored or co-sponsored by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department with the approval of the executive director. The commission shall waive the fee for a qualified disabled veteran and for a resident on active duty as a member of the United States military forces, the Texas Army National Guard, the Texas Air National Guard, or the Texas State Guard.

SECTION 2. Section 46.004(c), Parks and Wildlife Code, is amended to read as follows:

(c) The commission shall waive the fee for a qualified disabled veteran as defined by Section 42.012 and for a resident on active duty as a member of the United States military forces, the Texas Army National Guard, the Texas Air National Guard, or the Texas State Guard.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2007.

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