BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 559
	By: White; Guillen (Zaffirini)
	Water, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
	5/5/2021
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Currently, most Texas residents 90 years old or over are exempt from needing a license to fish. Waiving the resident fishing license fee for Texans who are 85 years old or over would make these licenses available to more persons who currently rely on a limited income such as social security or retirement. H.B. 559 would provide for this waiver to help senior citizens better enjoy their retirement and promote an active lifestyle.

H.B. 559 amends current law relating to a fishing license fee waiver for certain residents.

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 Sections 46.004(b) and (c), Parks and Wildlife Code, as follows:

(b) Authorizes the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (TPWC) to establish a lower fee or waive the fee or license requirement for fishing licenses for certain individuals, including for a resident who is at least 65 years old but younger than 85 years old or a nonresident who is 65 years old or over, rather than a resident or nonresident who is 65 years old or over. Makes a conforming change.

(c) Requires TPWC to waive the fee for a fishing license for certain individuals, including for a resident who is under 17 years old and who has a disability, and for a resident who is 85 years old or over. Makes nonsubstantive changes.

SECTION 2. (a) Makes application of this Act prospective.

(b) Provides that a fishing license issued before the effective date of this Act is covered by the law in effect when the license was issued, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. Provides that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is not required to issue a refund for any license issued before the effective date of this Act.

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2021.