Honorable Trent Ashby, Chair, House Committee on Culture, Recreation & Tourism
FROM:
Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB2332 by Orr (Relating to the preservation of Fairfield Lake State Park; granting the power of eminent domain.), As Introduced
The fiscal implications of the bill would be significant, but cannot be determined at this time because the amount and timing of any property purchases associated with acquiring the Fairfield Lake State Park property are unknown.
The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.
The bill would amend Parks and Wildlife Code to add Subchapter Q, Section 22.230 relating to the preservation of Fairfield Lake State Park. The bill identifies the state's interest in the land and would provide statutory authority to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to acquire approximately 1,821 acres comprising the park and adjoining areas through eminent domain. The bill would take effect immediately upon enactment, assuming it received the requisite two-thirds majority votes in both houses of the Legislature. Otherwise, it would take effect September 1, 2023.
Based on information provided by the Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), it is assumed that any costs associated with surveys, consultant fees, and due diligence related to the bill could be covered using existing resources. This analysis assumes that other costs that would be realized with invoking eminent domain authority established by the bill would be significant and would vary dependent upon legal proceedings and findings determined under Chapter 21 of the Property Code. As such, the cost cannot be determined because the amount and timing of any property purchases associated with acquiring the Fairfield Lake State Park property are unknown.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 304 Comptroller of Public Accounts, 802 Parks and Wildlife Department