BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 1648
88R13203 BEE-D	By: Parker
	Water, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
	4/11/2023
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Texas boasts some of the most beautiful and diverse natural landscapes in the country. Despite the state's abundant natural resources, many of its parks and wildlife areas are facing challenges that threaten their continued existence. One of the primary challenges is the lack of funding for the acquisition, development, and maintenance of state parks. In recent years, Texas has struggled to keep up with the demand for new parks and to maintain existing ones.

S.B. 1648 seeks to establish the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, which will provide a dedicated funding source for the acquisition, development, and maintenance of state parks in Texas. By creating this fund, the State hopes to ensure that Texans and visitors can continue to enjoy the beauty of Texas' parks for generations to come.

As proposed, S.B. 1648 amends current law relating to the centennial parks conservation fund to be administered by the Parks and Wildlife Department.

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 Title 3, Parks and Wildlife Code, by adding Chapter 21-A, as follows:

CHAPTER 21-A. CENTENNIAL PARKS CONSERVATION FUND

Sec. 21-A.001.  DEFINITION. Defines "fund" as the centennial parks conservation fund (fund).

Sec. 21-A.002.  USE OF CENTENNIAL PARKS CONSERVATION FUND. Provides that money in the fund is authorized to be spent only to:

(1)  acquire state park sites from the United States or any of its agencies, agencies of the state, or any other person;

(2)  improve, develop, beautify, equip, and maintain park sites;

(3)  provide grants to political subdivisions for local parks as provided by Chapter 24 (State Assistance for Local Parks); and

(4)  support Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) land, soil, and water conservation efforts.

SECTION 2. Effective date: January 1, 2024, contingent upon approval by the voters of the constitutional amendment proposed by the 88th Legislature, Regular Session, 2023, providing for the creation of the centennial parks conservation fund to be administered by TPWD.