81(R) HB 1965 - Enrolled version

The bill would amend the Parks and Wildlife Code to issue permits to individuals who desire to kill protected wildlife that may be causing serious damage to commercial agricultural, horticultural, or aquiculture interests, or is a threat to public safety. The bill would exclude the county judge or mayor from the permitting process, and would add a permit application fee of $50 or an amount set by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) would not be authorized to issue a permit for killing mule deer, pronghorn antelope, or desert bighorn unless TPWD had inspected the property to verify serious damage or threat to public safety, made recommendations to minimize the damage; and the applicant had made a reasonable effort to comply with the recommendations to minimize the damage. TPWD would have 10 business days to approve or deny an application for permit to kill protected wildlife, and to issue the permit if the application is approved; this permit could be issued electronically. The TPWD permit must specify: the period of time that the permit is valid; the area to which it applies; the kind and number of wildlife to be killed; and the persons permitted to kill the wildlife.

TPWD estimates that there will be approximately 750 additional permits issued annually. At $50 per permit, this represents additional revenue to the General Revenue-Dedicated Game, Fish and Water Safety Account No. 9 of $37,500 in fiscal year 2010 and each year thereafter (750 x $50). TPWD estimates the additional workload of processing the permits will require the equivalent of an additional Fish and Wildlife Technician at Austin headquarters (at an estimated salary of $31,053 in fiscal years 2010 and 2011 and $36,111 in fiscal year 2012 and each year thereafter and other minimal operating expenses and one-time equipment expenses in fiscal year 2010. Based on the LBB's analysis of the TPWD, duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing resources. The bill would take immediate effect if the bill receives two-thirds the vote of all members. Otherwise, the bill would take effect September 1, 2009.

LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION


May 19, 2009

TO:	Honorable Joe Straus, Speaker of the House, House of Representatives

FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board

IN RE:	HB1965 by Darby (Relating to permits to control protected wildlife; providing a penalty. ), As Passed 2nd House