Honorable Tommy Williams, Chair, Senate Committee on Transportation & Homeland Security
FROM:
John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1395 by Parker (Relating to the requirements to operate personal watercraft and certain boats.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend portions of the Parks and Wildlife Code relating to the requirements to operate personal watercraft and certain boats. The bill would reduce the age to operate a personal watercraft and a motorboat from 16 to 13, provided operators under the age of 13 or supervised by another person who can lawfully operate the watercraft, is on board when the watercraft is underway, and is at least 18 years of age. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department reports that under bill provisions an estimated additional 2,152 boaters per year would take a boater education course. Class fees of $10 per person would be offset by costs of $5 per person in course materials. To the extent the bill would result in additional revenue and additional costs to TPWD, this analysis assumes the costs reasonably could be absorbed within the department’s existing resources. The bill would take immediate effect if the bill receives two-thirds the vote of all members in both houses. Otherwise, the bill would take effect September 1, 2011.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.