| TO: | Honorable Mark Homer, Chair, House Committee on Culture, Recreation & Tourism |
| FROM: | John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board |
| IN RE: | HB3117 by Homer (Relating to the possession, custody, or control of a cougar, bobcat, or coyote.), As Introduced |
The bill would amend the Health and Safety Code relating to the possession, custody, or control of a cougar, bobcat, or coyote. The bill would provide additional exceptions to the restrictions on possessing a dangerous wild animal, including the species of an animal being rehabilitated under a Parks and Wildlife Code rehabilitation permit; a cougar, bobcat, or coyote that is in the possession, custody, or control of a person who is using the animals as part of a predator or depredation control activity and has trapped or captured the animals. The bill would also provide an exception for an individual who transfers the cougar, bobcat, or coyote to a person permitted to receive those particular animals, or specializes in lure production or dog training as those activities relate to a predator or depredation control activity. To the extent the bill would amend provisions relating to possessing wild animals, no fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. The bill would take effect September 1, 2009.
| Source Agencies: | 802 Parks and Wildlife Department
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| LBB Staff: | JOB, TB, SD
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