81R6813 SLB-D
By: Davis of Dallas H.B. No. 1384
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to authorizing certain nature centers to charge admission
fees.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subtitle C, Title 10, Local Government Code, is
amended by adding Chapter 337 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 337. NATURE CENTERS
Sec. 337.001. AUTHORITY OF CERTAIN NATURE CENTERS TO CHARGE
ADMISSION FEE. (a) In this chapter, "nature center" means a
property with limited development, or an undeveloped property,
that:
(1) is at least 30 acres but not more than 50 acres;
(2) has been dedicated to preserving a unique
geological or environmental feature, including a habitat;
(3) allows passive or low-impact outdoor recreation,
such as hiking; and
(4) offers educational programs.
(b) This section applies only in a county with a population
of 1.8 million or more.
(c) The board of directors of a not-for-profit entity that
maintains county and municipal park property as a nature center
under a formal agreement may charge an admission fee for entrance
onto or use of the county and municipal property. Any fee must be
approved each year by the county and the municipality.
(d) Fees collected under this section may be used only to
provide educational programs conducted on, to maintain, or to
construct improvements to the county and municipal property.
(e) Fees collected under this section shall be audited
annually by an independent auditor. All audit reports shall be
submitted to the county and the municipality on completion.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all of the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2009.
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT NO. 1
Amend H.B. 1384 on page one line 12 by deleting the following
language: "but not more than 50 acres"
Pierson