Honorable Joe Deshotel, Chair, House Committee on Texas Ports, Innovation & Infrastructure, Select
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3650 by Hunter (Relating to the promotion and development of the cruise industry in this state.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend Chapter 481 of the Government Code to require the Governor's economic development and tourism office to promote the cruise industry in Texas. The bill would authorize such promotion to include the establishment of a volunteer Texas Cruise Commission by the Governor. The bill would amend Chapter 55 of the Transportation Code to include cruise industry promotion among the activities required to be funded from the Port Access Account Fund.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Historical Commission, and Commission on the Arts indicate that implementation of the bill would not result in a significant fiscal or operational impact to the agencies.
Pursuant to Transportation Code §55.005, money in the Port Access Account Fund would consist of gifts, grants, donations, and interest earning of the fund. This fund has not been excluded from state funds consolidation by the Legislature, and no money has been dedicated to the fund. Based on the information provided by the Texas Department of Transportation, it is assumed any duties associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be absorbed within existing resources.
This legislation would do one or more of the following: create or recreate a dedicated account in the General Revenue Fund, create or recreate a special or trust fund either with or outside of the Treasury, or create a dedicated revenue source. The fund, account, or revenue dedication included in this bill would be subject to funds consolidation review by the current Legislature.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
601 Department of Transportation, 802 Parks and Wildlife Department, 808 Historical Commission, 813 Commission on the Arts