BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 555

By: Vasut

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Under current law, a special open hunting season may be provided to individuals under seventeen years of age in which these hunters are allowed to take and possess game animals and game birds. H.B. 555 seeks to address the timeframe in which this youth hunting season takes place to allow for an optimal hunting experience by setting the minimum duration of the season at seven consecutive days, which would allow young hunters to adequately plan and enjoy their hunting experience during the season.

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 rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Parks and Wildlife Commission in SECTION 2 of this bill.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 555 amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to set at seven consecutive days the minimum duration of a special open season provided by the Parks and Wildlife Commission for the hunting of game animals or game birds exclusively by persons under 17 years old. This minimum duration does not apply to a youth-only hunting season for migratory game birds or waterfowl. The bill requires the commission to adopt or amend rules as necessary to comply with the bill's provisions.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2023.