LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

March 16, 2009

TO:	Honorable Mark Homer, Chair, House Committee on Culture, Recreation & Tourism
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB836 by Miller, Sid (Relating to sport hunting of feral hogs by helicopter.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Parks and Wildlife Code to allow the hunting of feral hogs from a helicopter.  According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), the Parks and Wildlife Code currently allows for the issuance of a permit for the hunting of feral hogs by aircraft, if necessary to protect or to aid in the administration or protection of land, water, wildlife, livestock, domestic animals, human life or crops. TPWD indicates both federal law and the Parks and Wildlife Code prevent the hunting of animals from aircraft for sport. TPWD does not expect the bill to generate a significant change in the number of permits issued; therefore no significant fiscal impact to the General Revenue-Dedicated Game, Fish and Water Safety Account No. 9 is anticipated.  The bill would take effect on September 1, 2009.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

802 Parks and Wildlife Department

LBB Staff:

JOB, WK, TB