Bill Caption

Expressing a commitment to the elimination of illegal fishing and urging Congress to take action to end illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in our sovereign waters.

Fiscal Notes

There is no fiscal note for this resolution.

Bill Analysis

HR 1605 would express the commitment of the House of Representatives of the 84th Legislature “to the elimination of illegal fishing, to the long-term conservation of Texas marine resources, and to the protection of the Texas Gulf Coast fishing and coastal communities.” It would also urge the United States Congress to take action to end illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the Gulf Coast waters.

Vote Recommendation Notes

While we certainly support the goal of preserving and wisely managing our Gulf Coast natural resources, we are somewhat wary of encouraging the federal government to do more in the way of regulating industry. They have done more than enough regulating with significant detrimental effects to our economy and to free markets. It may be time for the states to begin assuming a greater role in this area and leaving the federal government out of it to the greatest extent possible.

Despite our concerns about the size and scope of the federal regulatory state, this resolution does not affect our principles. We are neutral on HR 1605.