BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2138

By: Guillen

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Game wardens commissioned by the Parks and Wildlife Department are trained in certain water-related search and rescue operations, and state maritime military volunteers have trained with the game wardens so the volunteers can assist with such operations in time of need.  Given the expanse of Texas, partnership between game wardens and volunteers is very important in ensuring the health and safety of Texans in a time of need. H.B. 2138 seeks to ensure that game wardens conduct search and rescue operations for victims of water-oriented accidents and that state military forces are authorized to assist game wardens with such operations.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 2138 amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to specify that state military forces are authorized to assist game wardens in the search for and rescue of victims of water-oriented accidents, rather than authorizing game wardens to assist in such operations. The bill defines "game warden," defines "state military forces" by reference to the Government Code, and makes a conforming change.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2011.