BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 722

By: Perry

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties observe that the managed lands deer program has experienced significant growth since the program's inception and suggest that the charging of a fee for program participation will give the program the capacity needed to address the increase in demand associated with the program's popularity and growth. S.B. 722 seeks to address this issue by authorizing the Parks and Wildlife Commission to establish such a fee.

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 Parks and Wildlife Commission in SECTION 1 of this bill.

ANALYSIS

S.B. 722 amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to authorize the Parks and Wildlife Commission by rule to establish and provide for the collection of a managed lands deer program participation fee for each managed lands deer program participation option. The bill requires proceeds from the fee to be deposited in the game, fish, and water safety account.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2017.