BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 215

By: Harless

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note that Texas law currently provides fee waivers for hunting and fishing licenses for people meeting certain requirements. H.B. 215, as a token of appreciation and symbol of respect, seeks to provide the senior citizens of Texas with such a waiver.

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. 215 amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to include residents who are at least 65 years of age among the persons for whom the Parks and Wildlife Commission is required to waive the resident fishing license fee.

EFFECTIVE DATE

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