Honorable Mark Homer, Chair, House Committee on Culture, Recreation & Tourism
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB2553 by Hilderbran (relating to the registration and operation of certain off-highway vehicles.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Parks and Wildlife Code and the Transportation Code to expressly include recreational off-highway vehicles (ROV) in the definition of off-highway vehicles and to differentiate them from the definition of an "All-Terrain Vehicle." According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), ROVs are equipped with four wheels, and have non-straddle seats for both a driver and passenger if equipped (conversely ATVs have straddle seats). TPWD indicates that ROV owners using off-highway trails must purchase a off-highway decal under current law. Accordingly, no fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. The bill would take effect September 1, 2009.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.