AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

H.B. 1989, enacted by the 78th Legislature, authorized the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission to create a stamp that would be required of most anglers fishing in fresh water. The funds generated from the sale of the stamp were dedicated for the repair, maintenance, renovation, or replacement of freshwater fish hatcheries and the purchase of fish for stocking the public waters of the state. The freshwater stamp currently generates an estimated $6 million annually.

 

The purpose of this bill is to repeal Section 43.809, Parks and Wildlife Code, relating to the Sunset provision of the Freshwater Fishing Stamp. The bill allows the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to continue to sell the Freshwater Fishing Stamp past its original expiration date of September 1, 2014, and makes it a permanent part of TPWD's revenue structure.

 

H.B. 790 amends current law relating to the continuing issuance of freshwater fishing stamps by the Parks and Wildlife Department.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1.  Repealer:  Section 43.809 (Expiration of Subchapter), Parks and Wildlife Code.

 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  upon passage or September 1, 2011.