Bill Caption

Relating to the use of lifeguards and informational signs to improve safety on public beaches.

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB 3807, Committee Report 2nd House, Substituted: an impact of $0 through the biennium ending August 31, 2023.

The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is required to implement a provision of this Act only if the legislature appropriates money specifically for that purpose. If the legislature does not appropriate money specifically for that purpose, the department may, but is not required to, implement a provision of this Act using other appropriations available for that purpose.

Bill Analysis

HB 3807 would require municipalities and counties, state parks, and the Parks and Wildlife Department provide occupied lifeguard towers near structures that protrude into the Gulf of Mexico and post signs nearby clearly describing the dangerous water conditions that may occur near the structure.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action is opposed to HB 3807 on the principle of limited government and personal responsibility. While we support keeping swimmers safe, there is no reason to believe a new state law would be most effective way of doing so. It would be best to leave decisions of this nature up to the relevant local governments.