Honorable John Frullo, Chair, House Committee on Culture, Recreation & Tourism
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1260 by Phelan (Relating to the regulation of commercial shrimp unloading; requiring an occupational license; authorizing a fee.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Parks and Wildlife Code to create a new commercial gulf shrimp unloading license. Under the provisions of the bill, a licensee would be authorized to unload or allow to be unloaded shrimp and other aquatic products caught outside of Texas waters at a port or point in Texas. The bill would exempt a commercial shrimp boat license holder from the requirements of a commercial gulf shrimp unloading license. The bill would also authorize fish dealers and restaurants to buy shrimp and other aquatic products from commercial gulf shrimp unloading license holders. The bill would require the Parks and Wildlife Commission to establish rules related to the license no later than September 1, 2018.
The bill would establish the fee for a commercial gulf shrimp unloading license as the greater of $1,485 or an amount established by the Parks and Wildlife Commission by rule. Based upon information provided by the Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and Comptroller of Public Accounts, this analysis assumes 25 licenses would be purchased each fiscal year at $1,485 each, for a revenue gain of $37,125 each fiscal year to the Game, Fish, and Water Safety Account No. 9. TPWD would also incur minimal costs each fiscal year to issue the licenses.
The bill would take effect September 1, 2017.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
304 Comptroller of Public Accounts, 802 Parks and Wildlife Department