Subject: HB 2414 (old language) and HB 1309 added as riders on HB 12
Date: Wed, 30 May 2007 20:29:55 -0500
From: Troy, Marla, & Cheyenne Hibbitts



Despite our successful lobbying efforts against HB 2414, the successful
passage of an amendment to exclude herps, etc, and the death of HB 2414 in
Senate Committee, the House and Senate passed HB 12 with riders attached
that include the original language of CSHB 2414 as well as the CSHB 1309
(pertaining to non-indigenous herps).



HB 12, the sweeping Parks Reform Bill was amended on the House Floor to
include the Pre-Amendment wording of HB 2414.



"SECTION 44. Subchapter A, Chapter 62, Parks and Wildlife Code, is amended
by adding Section 62.0031 to read as follows:

Sec. 62.0031. HUNTING FROM PUBLIC ROAD OR RIGHT-OF-WAY PROHIBITED. (a)
Except as provided by Subsection (b), a person may not hunt a wild animal or
bird when the person is on a public road or right-of-way.

(b) This section does not apply to the trapping of a raptor for educational
or sporting purposes as provided by Chapter 49."



HB 12 has already passed both the House and the Senate. It will surely be
signed by the Governor. I'm pretty sure from my reading of HB 12 that it
will pass effective immediately.



I have yet to determine who added the amendment to the bill. It does not
appear on the bill history. I can only assume that it was amended on the
House or Senate Floor.



So, if TPWD wants to enforce it, we'll be illegal this year. I think that
our only legitimate recourse at this point will be to try to get an
amendment added next legislative session . . . maybe we can play dirty
politics and add it to something no one else will vote against just like
they've done with us.



At this point, I'm reminded of a quote from "Man of the Year" starring Robin
Williams:



"Politicians are like diapers . . . the should be changed regularly and for
the same reason".



Troy

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