Bill: HB 508, 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 Neutral Neutral Negative

Author(s)

John Raney

Bill Caption

Relating to an exemption for certain law enforcement and military personnel from the requirement to complete a hunter education program; authorizing a fee.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 508 would exempt the following individuals from completing a hunter education course in Texas: an honorably discharged veteran or active duty member of the United States Armed Forces; an active duty member or previously served member of the Texas National Guard; a person who is serving or previously served as a municipal police officer, sheriff, deputy sheriff, constable, deputy constable, marshal, deputy marshal, or member of the Texas Rangers, or the Texas Highway Patrol. Also, the legislation says that the Parks and Wildlife Commission may charge a reasonable fee to cover administrative costs for a person exempted from the hunter education course.

Vote Recommendation Notes

HB 508 would run afoul of our individual liberty principle because it exempts several classes of people from taking the hunter education course. This means the bill is placing certain groups above the law, which would infringe on the liberties of others who still must take the course. While the professions of these exempted groups may endow them with special skills and knowledge the general public does not have, they must still be subject to the same laws as other citizens.

Furthermore, the mere fact of having been a member of the military or a peace officer doesn't mean a person is knowledgeable about hunting issues generally or the relevant laws of Texas specifically.


Source URL (retrieved on 03/28/2024 05:03 PM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/84r/hb508?print_view=true