Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yes | Neutral | Positive | Positive | Neutral | Neutral |
HB 801 would require the Parks and Wildlife Commission to
implement a general plan for using prescribed burns to manage state owned land.
The general plan must include: the standards for a prescribed burn; approval
from specified government agencies; adequate notice given to certain groups
such as neighboring landowners next to a specified burn site.
Additionally, HB 801 would make the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department (TPWD) liable for bodily injuries, deaths, or property damages that
may occur during a prescribed burn.
The Senate Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs Committee made non-substantive changes to this bill. Our position on HB 801 remains in support.
Senate chamber sponsor: Eltife
First chamber analysis:
HB 801 supports our principle of personal responsibility because
it holds TPWD liable for its actions when it conducts a prescribed burn on
government land. Moreover, this
legislation supports private property rights because it gives land owners and
individuals legal recourse in case a prescribed burn causes bodily harm or
damages property.