| TO: | Honorable Mark Homer, Chair, House Committee on Culture, Recreation & Tourism |
| FROM: | John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board |
| IN RE: | HB1610 by Vaught (Relating to the waiver of state park entrance fees for active or retired peace officers.), As Introduced |
The bill would amend the Parks and Wildlife Code relating to the waiver of state park entrance fees for active or retired peace officers (as defined by the Code of Criminal Procedure). The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) indicates there are approximately 86,084 active peace officers and an additional 35,165 retired peace officers for a total population of 121,249. Using census data, it is estimated that the total adult population in Texas will be approximately 17,864,000 by 2010, and the rate of total peace officers to total adult population is 0.68 percent (121,249/17,864,000 = 0.68 percent).
Using revenue growth assumptions, the anticipated revenue from state park entry fees in fiscal year 2010 is estimated to be $11,106,704 and $11,626,009 in fiscal year 2010 and each year thereafter. Applying a 0.68 percent peace officer rate to estimated revenue amounts results in an estimated revenue loss in the General Revenue-Dedicated State Parks Account No. 64 of $75,552 in fiscal year 2010 and $79,057 in fiscal year 2011 and each year thereafter. Based on the LBB's analysis of the TPWD's duties and responsibilities, this analysis assumes the revenue loss will not result in a significant fiscal implication to TPWD or the State. The bill would take effect September 1, 2009.
| Source Agencies: | 802 Parks and Wildlife Department
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| LBB Staff: | JOB, WK, TB
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