Highlights 77th Texas Legislature - Senate

_____________
NATURAL RESOURCES/General
77 th Texas Legislature
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (Sunset) - S.B. 305
by Senators Harris and Zaffirini
House Sponsors: Representative Bosse, et al.
Implements the Sunset Advisory recommendations related to the board, outreach and education, and gifts
for the Texas Parks and Wildlife TPWD (TPWD) and continues the agency until September 1, 2013.
Exempts TPWD and its employees from state laws requiring reporting of information relating to persons
detained during traffic and pedestrian stops.
Provides that TPWD may not contract regarding a book, magazine, photograph, poster, or bulletin unless
the contract contains certain provisions. TPWC must adopt rules regarding the types of advertising
appropriate for viewing by individuals younger than 17 years of age. Provides that for a contract which
does not contain these provisions, TPWD, not later than March 1, 2002, must negotiate a modification to
the contract to contain such provisions.
Prohibits advertisements promoting the sale of tobacco in a TPWD publication.
Requires TPWD to calculate the costs of each construction project as it is completed and sets out what the
TPWD must consider in calculating these costs. On request, the State Council on Competitive Government
must provide technical assistance to the TPWD. Using the costs, TPWD must evaluate the costs and
benefits of contracting with private entities or individuals to manage construction-related tasks or projects.
Modifies provisions regarding the use of the game, fish, and water safety account to provide the money
may be used to the extent allowed by federal law and money from hunting and fishing licenses may be
used only to manage fish and wildlife resources in Texas.
Requires TPWD, in administering the state aquatic vegetation management plan, to assist local
governments regarding aquatic vegetation management and control.
Creates the land and water resources conservation plan (plan), which must include criteria for determining
how to meet the state's conservation and recreation needs.
Requires TPWD, in setting priorities for the provision of money to a landowner for technical guidance, to
consider the inventory and priorities developed under the plan.
Provides that information collected during technical guidance to private landowners may not be disclosed to
any person, including a state or federal agency.
Requires TPWC to specify standards for licenses issued through the use of automated equipment and a
point-of-sale system.
Prohibits TPWC from classifying a historical site as a historical park.
Clarifies provisions requiring TPWD to formulate plans for the preservation and development of historical
sites. Requires TPWD, before formulating a plan for a specific site, to conduct an archeological survey. In
formulating plans, TPWD must consider the results from the archeological survey and the resources
necessary to manage a site. It must also meet with and consider comments by the Texas Historical
Commission (THC).
Senate Research Center 219