BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2393

By: Burrows

Public Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Reports indicate a high number of hunting violations in recent years by individuals 21 years of age and younger. It has been suggested that this may be related to the limited options for hunter education for these individuals. H.B. 2393 seeks to provide more options and promote safe hunting practices by requiring the State Board of Education to develop a hunter education course that may be offered as part of a public school district's physical education curriculum to certain students.

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. 2393 amends the Education Code to require the State Board of Education, in consultation with the Parks and Wildlife Department, to develop a hunter education course for students in grades 7 through 12 that a public school district may use in the district's required physical education curriculum. The bill applies beginning with the 2019-2020 school year.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2019.