BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 118

By: Flynn

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note that Texas recognizes and expresses its appreciation for the sacrifices made by military personnel by providing for discounted fees to access various state services and programs. H.B. 118 seeks to recognize and express Texas' deep appreciation to military personnel for their service.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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. 118 amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to require the Parks and Wildlife Commission to waive the fee for a combination resident hunting and fishing license for a qualified disabled veteran or a resident who holds a valid military identification card and is on active duty in the United States military forces or is actively participating in the state military forces under the rules established by the adjutant general of the state military forces. The bill establishes that a valid military identification card issued by the state military forces is sufficient to establish Texas residency. The bill specifies that the fee waiver does not apply to a person who is retired from the military or the dependent of military personnel unless the person otherwise qualifies as provided by the bill's provisions.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2015.