Honorable Ryan Guillen, Chair, House Committee On Culture, Recreation & Tourism
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB597 by Guillen (Relating to boater education and examinations on preventing the spread of exotic harmful or potentially harmful aquatic plants, fish, and shellfish.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend portions of the Parks and Wildlife Code to mandate that the boater education course include information on how to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic plants, fish, and shellfish; as well as the proper cleaning of an individual's boat, boat motor, boat trailer, and equipment by January 1, 2014. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department indicates that any minor costs associated with revising the boater education curriculum could be absorbed within department resources.
The bill would take immediate effect if the bill receives two-thirds the vote in each house. Otherwise, the bill would take effect September 1, 2013.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.