Honorable Ryan Guillen, Chair, House Committee on Culture, Recreation & Tourism
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1189 by Guillen (Relating to the management of commercial oyster boat licenses issued in this state.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Parks and Wildlife Code to implement a commercial oyster boat license buyback program. The bill would require the Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) retain at least 20 percent of the fees from resident and non-resident commercial oyster boat licenses within the Game, Fish, and Water Safety Account No. 9 to be used for the buying back of commercial oyster boat licenses from willing holders. The bill would allow TPWD to reissue retired licenses through auction or lottery.
According to information provided by the Comptroller of Public Accounts, the bill could reduce revenue to the Game, Fish, and Water Safety Account No. 9 by an indeterminate amount. This analysis assumes there would be a minimal revenue loss to this account.
Based on information provided by the Parks and Wildlife Department, duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing resources.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
304 Comptroller of Public Accounts, 802 Parks and Wildlife Department