Bill: HB 1979, 84(R) - 2015

Committee

House Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral

Author(s)

Dade Phelan

Bill Caption

Relating to a bag limit exemption for certain participants in certain fishing tournaments in Chambers, Jefferson, Galveston, Hardin, Newton, and Orange Counties.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

The bill would amend the Parks and Wildlife Code relating to bag limits in fishing tournaments held on the southern stretches of the Sabine or Neches River, in the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, or in the Gulf of Mexico adjacent to certain counties.  The bill would allow a participant in a tournament that only includes competitors in high school or college to count a largemouth bass that is smaller than the legal limit by two inches or less towards the daily bag limit.  The bill would require such a fish to be released after weighing.  Tournament organizers would be required to complete an application provided by the Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and pay a fee of $500 to receive an exemption permit.  

Based on information provided by TPWD, the bill could result in minimal revenue gain to the Game, Fish, and Water Safety Account No. 9. 

Bill Analysis

The fiscal note above provides a sufficient explanation for what this bill would do. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

For the most part, state exemptions aimed at a particular group or area will usually run contrary to our liberty principles. In this case there is no economic benefit to anyone so there is no market distortion, unintended consequences, or picking of winners and losers by the government. For this reason we are neutral on this legislation.


Source URL (retrieved on 03/29/2024 02:03 AM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/84r/hb1979?print_view=true