BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

 

C.S.H.B. 302

By: Wu

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Substituted)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

Texas is a great state with a diverse and beautiful culture, and Texans are justly proud of their history and heritage. Interested parties note that a heightened awareness of the state's history and culture will help promote state pride and tourism and that increased tourism will, in turn, help boost the state economy and create jobs. C.S.H.B. 302 seeks to aid in the promotion of tourism and travel throughout Texas.

 

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 rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Department of Transportation in SECTION 1 of this bill.

 

ANALYSIS

 

C.S.H.B. 302 amends the Transportation Code to require the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) by rule to create and implement a travel certificate program that includes issuance of a certificate by TxDOT to an individual for visiting various locations in Texas. The bill requires the program to include different location categories of certificates, different levels of certificates within a location category, and, on payment of a fee determined by TxDOT, the issuance of a certificate by TxDOT to an individual for a certain level within a location category.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

September 1, 2015.

 

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL AND SUBSTITUTE

 

While C.S.H.B. 302 may differ from the original in minor or nonsubstantive ways, the following comparison is organized and formatted in a manner that indicates the substantial differences between the introduced and committee substitute versions of the bill.

 

INTRODUCED

HOUSE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE

SECTION 1. Subchapter L, Chapter 481, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 481.175 to read as follows:

Sec. 481.175. TOURISM CERTIFICATE PROGRAM. (a) The office by rule shall create and implement a tourism certificate program that includes:

(1) issuance of a certificate by the office to an individual who obtains a certain number of stamps for visiting various locations in this state; and

(2) on payment of a fee determined by the office, issuance of an "Honorary Texan" certificate to a non-Texas resident.

(b) The program under Subsection (a)(1) must include:

(1) different location categories of certificates, such as "BBQ Pitmaster," "Beachcomber," "Traveler," "Museum Visitor," and "Rodeo Visitor";

(2) different levels of certificates within a location category, such as issuance of a "Basic" certificate for visiting locations in at least four regions of the state, issuance of an "Advanced" certificate for visiting locations in at least six regions of the state, and issuance of a "Master" certificate for visiting locations in at least eight regions of the state;

(3) the registration of a location to participate in the program by payment of a fee determined by the office for issuance of stamps; and

(4) on payment of a fee determined by the office, the issuance of a certificate by the office to an individual who obtains the required number of stamps for a certain level within a location category.

(c) The office shall divide the state into eight regions for determining levels of certificates.

(d) A certificate issued under Subsection (a)(2) does not confer on the holder of the certificate any residency or other legal status or right.

SECTION 1. Chapter 204, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 204.012 to read as follows:

Sec. 204.012. TRAVEL CERTIFICATE PROGRAM. (a) The department by rule shall create and implement a travel certificate program that includes issuance of a certificate by the department to an individual for visiting various locations in this state.

 

 

 

 

(b) The program under Subsection (a) must include:

(1) different location categories of certificates, such as "BBQ Pitmaster," "Beachcomber," "Traveler," "Museum Visitor," and "Rodeo Visitor";

(2) different levels of certificates within a location category, such as issuance of a "Basic" certificate for visiting locations in at least four regions of the state, issuance of an "Advanced" certificate for visiting locations in at least six regions of the state, and issuance of a "Master" certificate for visiting locations in at least eight regions of the state; and

 

 

 

 

(3) on payment of a fee determined by the department, the issuance of a certificate by the department to an individual for a certain level within a location category.

 

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.

SECTION 2. Same as introduced version.