BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center	H.B. 3535
	By: Keough et al. (Perry)
	Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs
	5/18/2017
	Engrossed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Interested parties assert that the feral hog and coyote populations continue to be significant problems for landowners across Texas. The parties point to the use of hot air balloons as a particularly effective method for taking these animals. H.B. 3535 assists with the management of these populations by authorizing the taking of depredating feral hogs or coyotes using hot air balloons.

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H.B. 3535 amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to authorize a qualified landowner or landowner's agent, as determined by Parks and Wildlife Commission rule, to contract to participate as a hunter or observer in using a hot air balloon to take depredating feral hogs or coyotes under the authority of a permit to manage wildlife and exotic animals from aircraft. The bill requires the commission to adopt rules as necessary to implement the bill.

 

H.B. 3535 amends current law relating to the taking of certain feral hogs and coyotes using a hot air balloon.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission in SECTION 1 (Section 43.1076, Parks and Wildlife Code) of this bill.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter G, Chapter 43, Parks and Wildlife Code, by adding Section 43.1076, as follows:

 

Sec. 43.1076. USING HOT AIR BALLOONS TO TAKE CERTAIN ANIMALS. Authorizes a qualified landowner or landowner's agent, as determined by Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission rule, to contract to participate as a hunter or observer in using a hot air balloon to take depredating feral hogs or coyotes under the authority of a permit issued under this subchapter (Permits to Manage Wildlife and Exotic Animals from Aircraft).

 

SECTION 2. Requires the Parks and Wildlife Commission, as soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, to adopt rules as necessary to implement Section 43.1076, Parks and Wildlife Code, as added by this Act.

 

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2017.