BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 1561
86R28212 AAF-D	By: Meyer; Guillen (Paxton)
	Water & Rural Affairs
	5/14/2019
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Currently, the federal government offers a program that grants fourth grade students admission into national parks at no cost. This program offers an educational opportunity for students across the country. Interested parties believe that fifth grade students across the State of Texas should be able to have similar educational opportunities in our state parks. H.B. 1561 would allow a student enrolled in the fifth grade or a child aged 11 to be exempted from entrance fees to all state parks.

H.B. 1561 amends current law relating to authorizing a waiver of certain state park fees for certain children.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 13.015(a-1), Parks and Wildlife Code, to authorize the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission to waive the park entrance fee for a person who is at least 70 years of age, a student enrolled in the fifth grade, or a child who is 11 years of age, rather than for a person who is at least 70 years of age.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2019. �