| TO: | Honorable Craig Estes, Chair, Senate Committee on Agriculture & Rural Affairs |
| FROM: | John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board |
| IN RE: | SB1583 by Harris (Relating to the trapping and transport of surplus white-tailed deer.), As Introduced |
The bill would amend the Parks and Wildlife Code to add an individual to the list of those the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) may issue a permit, authorizing the trapping and transporting of surplus white-tailed deer found on the property owned by the individual. According to TPWD, currently the permit may only be issued to a political subdivision or property owners' association for white-tailed deer found within the boundaries of the political subdivision or the geographic area of the property owners' association. The bill would require each individual to submit an application to TPWD showing that an overpopulation of white-tailed deer exists. This bill allows the individual to trap and transport the deer between October 1st of a year and March 31st of the following year, unless the white-tailed deer pose a threat to human health or safety.
TPWD estimates that there will be approximately 750 additional permits issued annually. No additional revenue will be recognized due to Section 43.0612(j) of the Parks and Wildlife Code that prevents the department from charging a fee. 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 years 2012 and each year thereafter) and other minimal operating expenses. TPWD estimates additional travel costs for field staff performing the site inspections would be $1,344 in fiscal year 2010 and each year thereafter. 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 effect September 1, 2009.
| Source Agencies: | 802 Parks and Wildlife Department
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| LBB Staff: | JOB, WK, TB
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