LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 80TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 8, 2007

TO:	Honorable Craig Estes, Chair, Senate Committee on S/C on Ag., Rural Affairs & Coastal Resources
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB3765 by O'Day (Relating to the taking or unloading of fish in this state.), As Engrossed

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Parks and Wildlife Code relating to the taking or unloading of fish.  The bill would make a nonemployee who is supervised by an employee of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) in a research or species propagation program exempt from the applicable size or bag limits to possess, take, transport, or release any fish in Texas to achieve the program objective.

Also, the bill would prohibit a person without a license from fishing in Texas public water and unloading fish or other aquatic life obtained from waters managed by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council.  According to TPWD, the bill may result in minimal additional revenue in license sales from persons purchasing state licenses.  To the extent the bill would increase license sales, no significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
 
The bill would take effect September 1, 2007.

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