| TO: | Honorable Ryan Guillen, Chair, House Committee on Culture, Recreation & Tourism |
| FROM: | John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board |
| IN RE: | SB1905 by Uresti (Relating to the provision of emergency services in certain rural counties using admission fees charged at state parks.), As Engrossed |
| Fiscal Year | Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to General Revenue Related Funds |
|---|---|
| 2012 | $0 |
| 2013 | $0 |
| 2014 | $0 |
| 2015 | $0 |
| 2016 | $0 |
| Fiscal Year | Probable Revenue Gain from State Parks Acct 64 |
Probable (Cost) from State Parks Acct 64 |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | $129,534 | ($129,534) |
| 2013 | $129,534 | ($129,534) |
| 2014 | $129,534 | ($129,534) |
| 2015 | $129,534 | ($129,534) |
| 2016 | $129,534 | ($129,534) |
The bill would add Chapter 354 to the Local Government Code relating to emergency services in rural counties, with provisions that would only apply to a county with a population of less than 20,000 that is adjacent to a county with an international border, and contains a state park and an interstate highway.
The bill would require the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) use $1 from the admission charge to a state park in a county affected by this bill for the purpose of awarding grants to the county that provides emergency services that directly or indirectly benefit the park. The county would be required to use the grant to pay for emergency services within the county boundaries, including volunteer services.
The bill would result in an expansion of the purposes for which the General Revenue-Dedicated State Parks Account No. 64 may be appropriated. However, it should be noted that the bill does not amend the Parks and Wildlife Code to expand the allowable use of proceeds to the State Parks Account.
The legislation would do one or more of the following: create or recreate a dedicated account in the General Revenue Fund, create or recreate a special or trust fund either within or outside of the Treasury, or create a dedicated revenue source. The fund, account or revenue dedication included in the bill would be subject to funds consolidation review by the current Legislature.
The bill would result in an expansion of the purposes for which the General Revenue-Dedicated State Parks Account No. 64 may be appropriated. However, it should be noted that the bill does not amend the Parks and Wildlife Code to expand the allowable use of proceeds to the State Parks Account.
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.
Using 2009 U.S. Census data, TPWD identified 3 state parks (SP) that meet the criteria: Balmorhea SP in Reeves County; Davis Mountain SP in Jeff Davis County; and Indian Lodge in Jeff Davis County.
Using fiscal year 2010 paid park visitation statistics, TPWD estimated 129,534 individuals visited those 3 state parks, which results in both an estimated revenue of $129,534 and grant awards in fiscal year 2012 and each year thereafter.
TPWD also indicated the department would increase park entrance fees by $1 at these 3 sites in order to meet the provisions of the bill.
TPWD would incur costs associated with accounting, distribution and management of these grants; however, this analysis assumes costs could be absorbed within existing resources.
Counties would receive grant awards from TPWD to pay for emergency services within the county, including services that directly or indirectly benefit the state park that is within the county. Award amounts are estimated to be $129,534 in fiscal year 2012 and each year thereafter.
| Source Agencies: | 802 Parks and Wildlife Department, 304 Comptroller of Public Accounts
|
| LBB Staff: | JOB, KM, ZS, TB, SZ, TP
|