Bill: HB 3618, 84(R) - 2015

Committee

House Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
No Neutral Neutral Negative Negative Neutral

Author(s)

Jason Isaac

Bill Caption

Relating to prohibiting camping and building fires in certain areas; creating a criminal offense.

Fiscal Notes

Based on information provided by the Parks and Wildlife Department, the duties and responsibilities of implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing resources. No significant fiscal impact is expected.  

Bill Analysis

HB 3618 would make it a Class C misdemeanor for a person to camp or build a fire in a dry riverbed in certain parts of the Blanco River. 

According to the statement of intent the purpose of this legislation is to address "fire and safety concerns" that may arise due to camping in a dry river bed during a time of drought. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Campers should be responsible for knowing about the environment they are camping in and take the appropriate measures necessary for drought stricken areas. HB 3618 would create a new crime and expand regulation while not providing any posting requirements so that campers would know they're breaking the law. Furthermore, various levels of government already have the authority to enact burn bans in order to prevent wildfires during times of drought.

We are opposed to this legislation on limited government and individual liberty grounds. 

The second chamber sponsor is Sen. Campbell. 

Source URL (retrieved on 04/18/2024 05:04 PM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/84r/hb3618?print_view=true