BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3600

By: Hunter

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Parks and Wildlife Commission was recently authorized to create an oyster mariculture program. As work continues on the program, it has been suggested that a commercial oyster mariculture advisory board could help the program's mission and ensure a sustainable commercial oyster mariculture industry for the state through the development of appropriate aquaculture policy. H.B. 3600 establishes this advisory board.

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. 3600 amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to establish the commercial oyster mariculture advisory board within the office of the governor to advise all state agencies with regulatory authority over the commercial oyster mariculture industry. The bill provides for the following:

·         the advisory board's seven-member composition;

·         the members' appointment by the governor and their terms; and

·         the advisory board's operation.

H.B. 3600 requires the advisory board to make recommendations to the governor and all relevant agencies concerning the commercial oyster mariculture industry, including recommendations on specified topics, and authorizes the advisory board, in performing its duties, to consult with state and federal agencies. The bill exempts the advisory board from provisions governing state agency advisory committees.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2021.