LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE, 82ND LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION April 6, 2011 TO: Honorable Joseph Pickett, Chair, House Committee on Defense & Veterans' Affairs FROM: John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board IN RE:HB3153 by Torres (Relating to the free admission to state parks for the parents of deceased members of the armed services), As Introduced No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. The bill would amend portions of the Parks and Wildlife Code to allow parents of deceased members of the US Armed Forces who have died in combat to apply for a state parklands passport. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) would be required to waive the park entrance fee for the holder of the parklands passport issued under the circumstances described. TPWD estimates that parents of soldiers that have died in combat from conflicts prior to and including the Persian Gulf War (1991) would, in all likelihood, already be allowed to apply for free or reduced entrance fees available to residents 65 and older. TPWD reports an anticipated revenue decline of under $1,000 per fiscal year for parents of soldiers that have died in combat for conflicts after 1991, and additional costs for programming changes in fiscal year 2012. This analysis assumes both the revenue loss and one-time cost can be absorbed within the departments existing resources. The bill would take immediate effect if the bill receives two-thirds the vote of all members in both houses. Otherwise, the bill would take effect September 1, 2011. Local Government Impact No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated. Source Agencies:802 Parks and Wildlife Department LBB Staff: JOB, KM, TB LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE, 82ND LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION April 6, 2011 TO: Honorable Joseph Pickett, Chair, House Committee on Defense & Veterans' Affairs FROM: John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board IN RE:HB3153 by Torres (Relating to the free admission to state parks for the parents of deceased members of the armed services), As Introduced TO: Honorable Joseph Pickett, Chair, House Committee on Defense & Veterans' Affairs FROM: John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board IN RE: HB3153 by Torres (Relating to the free admission to state parks for the parents of deceased members of the armed services), As Introduced Honorable Joseph Pickett, Chair, House Committee on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Honorable Joseph Pickett, Chair, House Committee on Defense & Veterans' Affairs John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board HB3153 by Torres (Relating to the free admission to state parks for the parents of deceased members of the armed services), As Introduced HB3153 by Torres (Relating to the free admission to state parks for the parents of deceased members of the armed services), As Introduced No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. The bill would amend portions of the Parks and Wildlife Code to allow parents of deceased members of the US Armed Forces who have died in combat to apply for a state parklands passport. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) would be required to waive the park entrance fee for the holder of the parklands passport issued under the circumstances described. TPWD estimates that parents of soldiers that have died in combat from conflicts prior to and including the Persian Gulf War (1991) would, in all likelihood, already be allowed to apply for free or reduced entrance fees available to residents 65 and older. TPWD reports an anticipated revenue decline of under $1,000 per fiscal year for parents of soldiers that have died in combat for conflicts after 1991, and additional costs for programming changes in fiscal year 2012. This analysis assumes both the revenue loss and one-time cost can be absorbed within the departments existing resources. The bill would take immediate effect if the bill receives two-thirds the vote of all members in both houses. Otherwise, the bill would take effect September 1, 2011. Local Government Impact No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated. Source Agencies: 802 Parks and Wildlife Department 802 Parks and Wildlife Department LBB Staff: JOB, KM, TB JOB, KM, TB