Honorable Ryan Guillen, Chair, House Committee on Culture, Recreation & Tourism
FROM:
John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3779 by Guillen (Relating to licensing of deer breeder operations; providing penalties.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend portions of the Parks and Wildlife Code related to the penalties associated with the licensing of deer breeders. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) executive director may: suspend, revoke, or refuse an application to renew a permit related to the control, breeding, or management of deer; after the determination of a violation for: trapping a wild deer, illegally importing deer from another state, or conviction of an egregious violation of other wildlife laws. The venue for an appeal from a TPWD order is in district court within the county where the permitted facility is located, or the permittee resides. The appeal is a new trial. TPWD reports the department would incur additional travel costs of approximately $500 per year. Currently, the appeal for the revoking, suspending, or refusing to issue a license or permit is in Travis County district court. TPWD legal staff would incur additional travel if the venue was changed to the district court of the deer breeder facility or the permittee's residence. The bill would require the TPW Commission to establish a training program, and require applicants for a deer control, breeding, or management permit to pass a test in order to qualify. Costs associated with the required travel and training program are expected to be minimal and could be absorbed within the department’s current resources. The bill does not have an effective date.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.