BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 489

By: Springer

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been noted that people like to camp out along a certain river in Hall County, set up targets on the pillars of a nearby bridge, and shoot at the targets for practice. Safety concerns have been raised regarding the structural damage done to the bridge by such target practice. H.B. 489 seeks to address these concerns by making certain prohibitions against the use of weapons in or on the bed or bank of a navigable river or stream applicable in Hall County.

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. 489 amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to include Hall County among the counties to which prohibitions against discharging a firearm, shooting an arrow, or possessing a certain type of bow or arrow in a certain manner in or on the bed or bank of a navigable river or stream located wholly or partly in the county apply.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.