Texas House Bill HB821

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the requirements of certain minors applying for a hunting or fishing license.

Impact

The passage of HB 821 is set to impact state regulations concerning the application processes for hunting and fishing licenses. By eliminating the requirement for a social security number for younger applicants, the bill seeks to both streamline these processes and protect the privacy of minors. This legislative change is expected to reduce barriers to entry for families and young hunters and anglers, potentially leading to increased participation in these outdoor recreational activities across Texas.

Summary

House Bill 821 proposes amendments to the requirements for certain minors applying for hunting and fishing licenses in Texas. Specifically, the bill stipulates that applicants who are 13 years old or younger will not be required to provide their social security number when applying for these licenses. The intent behind this legislation is to simplify the application process for younger residents, aiming to encourage participation in outdoor activities like hunting and fishing without the additional burden of providing sensitive information.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be positive, as it is seen as a measure that fosters greater engagement among young residents in the state's outdoor activities. Supporters likely view it as a common-sense approach to encourage youth involvement while sparing minors from unnecessary data requirements. There has not been significant public opposition noted in the legislative discussions, indicating a consensus that the changes are beneficial.

Contention

While HB 821 generally received broad support, the primary point of contention lies in concerns regarding the necessity of protecting minors' personal information in applications. Proponents argue that removing the social security requirement is a step towards greater accessibility, whereas others might advocate for caution in how personal data is handled, particularly in the context of state-managed databases. Overall, the bill reflects a balance between accessibility for the youth and the state’s responsibility towards data security.