BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3842

By: Smithee

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note that there is uncertainty regarding the authority of the Parks and Wildlife Commission to enter into an agreement with an institution of higher education to build a facility in a state park.  H.B. 3842 seeks to clarify this issue.

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. 3842 amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to authorize the Parks and Wildlife Commission to enter into a joint agreement with the governing board of an institution of higher education to finance and build a conference center and other appropriate related facilities to be located in or near a state park. The bill requires such a facility to be operated cooperatively to provide benefits to the Parks and Wildlife Department and the institution of higher education in accomplishing their respective purposes. The bill authorizes the commission and an institution of higher education to use any funds, property, or other assets available to finance and build such a facility.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2015.