LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

March 30, 2009

TO:	Honorable Kip Averitt, Chair, Senate Committee on Natural Resources
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB1829 by Deuell (Relating to the collection of artifacts from public waterways.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend Chapter 191 of the Natural Resources Code – the Antiquities Code – to allow permits to be issued to individuals for the collection of artifacts in a public waterway, except those which are located in state parks or areas administered by the federal government.  The Texas Historical Commission would be allowed to charge up to $75 for each permit issued and would maintain a database of reports filed by permit holders on artifacts discovered.  In addition, the bill would allow for the state to purchase such artifacts within a year after the Commission is notified of the discovery and allow the Commission to borrow the artifacts for study for a period of up to one year.

 

It is anticipated that implementation of this bill would not have a significant fiscal impact.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

305 General Land Office and Veterans' Land Board, 701 Central Education Agency, 802 Parks and Wildlife Department, 808 Historical Commission

LBB Staff:

JOB, WK, MS, LCO