LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 23, 2009

TO:	Honorable Mark Homer, Chair, House Committee on Culture, Recreation & Tourism
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB417 by Carona (Relating to the purchase of a retired firearm from the Parks and Wildlife Department by a game warden.), As Engrossed

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Parks and Wildlife Code to allow a commissioned peace officer at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) the ability to purchase the officer's agency issued firearm, at the time the firearm is retired.   According to TPWD, there is a cache of approximately 477 rifles ready for surplus or sale to game wardens, each with a market price of approximately $170.  Assuming half of the game wardens will purchase their weapon, the related revenue is $170 multiplied 239 wardens, or $40,630.   Under Article IX, of the General Appropriations Act, a state issued firearm to be retired would be sold at auction by the Texas Facilities Commission, which would retain 25 percent of the proceeds, or $10,158.  Assuming authority for a sale directly to an officer would be a third party reimbursement, the balance of $30,473 would be revenue to the General Revenue-Dedicated Game, Fish and Water Safety Account No. 9 for use by TPWD.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

802 Parks and Wildlife Department

LBB Staff:

JOB, SD, TB