BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 1584
81R9189 SLB-D By: Harris
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
In May 2007, Texas A&M University Agricultural and Food Policy Center reported that the Texas deer breeding industry contributes $652 million to the Texas economy, including 7,335 jobs, most of which are in rural Texas, and ranks as the sixth-largest segment of the state's agricultural industry. Legitimate breeders of white-tailed and mule deer spend a considerable amount of money, time, and labor adhering to strict state laws and regulations. However, current law and regulations are not clear as to what offenses will result in non-renewal or a revocation of deer breeder permits, and deer breeders have reported feeling increasingly vulnerable about their ability to continue in operation.
As proposed, S.B. 1584 requires the Parks and Wildlife Commission (commission) to adopt and periodically update guidelines to be used in determining penalties for certain violations, including a review of the penalties typically imposed at the time the guidelines are adopted or updated and a penalty matrix that specifies the penalty the commission considers appropriate for certain violations and the circumstances justifying the revocation of a permit.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter L, Chapter 43, Parks and Wildlife Code, by adding Section 43.3665, as follows:
Sec. 43.3665. GUIDELINES. Requires the Parks and Wildlife Commission (commission) to adopt and periodically update guidelines to be used in determining the penalty for a violation of this subchapter or a regulation adopted under this subchapter, including a review of the penalties typically imposed at the time the guidelines are adopted or updated; and a penalty matrix that specifies the penalty the commission considers appropriate for certain violations and the circumstances justifying the revocation of a permit issued under this subchapter.
SECTION 2. Requires the commission to adopt the guidelines required by Section 43.3665, Parks and Wildlife Code, as added by this Act, not later than March 1, 2010.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2009.