BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3535

By: Keough

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

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 seeks to assist with the management of these populations by authorizing the taking of depredating feral hogs or coyotes using hot air balloons.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

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.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2017.