Honorable Dennis Bonnen, Speaker of the House, House of Representatives
FROM:
John McGeady, Assistant Director Sarah Keyton, Assistant Director Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB337 by Larson (Relating to the use of emergency engine cutoff switches on motorboats.), As Passed 2nd House
The bill would have an indeterminate, but positive, fiscal impact to the State because the number of offenses for operating certain motorboats without utilizing an emergency engine cutoff switch and associated revenue from fines cannot be determined.
The bill would amend the Parks and Wildlife Code relating to the use of emergency cutoff switches on motorboats. Under the provisions of the bill, a person who operates certain motorboats without utilizing an emergency engine cutoff switch would commit an offense punishable by a fine of not more than $200.
The Parks and Wildlife Department has indicated that game wardens and marine safety enforcement officers would educate motorboat operators regarding the new emergency engine cutoff switch requirements for a year after the bill take effect. The disposition of fines collected under the bill provisions would be deposited in accordance with Parks and Wildlife Code, Section 31.128. In cases filed by game wardens in justice courts, 85 percent of fine revenue would be deposited into General Revenue-Dedicated Game, Fish, and Water Safety Account No. 9 (GR-D No. 9). In cases filed by game wardens in county courts, 80 percent would be deposited into GR-D No. 9. In cases filed by marine safety enforcement officers, 60 percent would be deposited into GR-D. No. 9. The Parks and Wildlife Department indicates that duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing resources.
According the Comptroller of Public Accounts, the number of offenses for operating certain motorboats without utilizing an emergency engine cutoff switch and associated revenue from fines cannot be determined.
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