I just finished listening to the video of today's committee hearing. Our bill was brought up again for further testimony then left pending for review and possibly revisions.

The hearing can be downloaded at the below link.
www.house.state.tx.us/committees/broadcasts.php?session=81&committeeCode=430
Once downloaded, it can be viewed using RealPlayer. Discussion of HB 1500 starts at 44:45 and continues to the end of the hearing.

Rep King called on Major Sinclair from TPWD to clarify the existing rule making authority of TPWD. According to Major Sinclair, they have no authority to draft rules related to safety. Rep King mentioned that Sinclair and someone else (couldn't catch the name) submitted a proposed substitute bill giving TPWD authority to draft rules relating, but not limited to, safety and reporting issues. Rep King said this seemed OK on the surface but he was concerned that it could become a back door for overly restrictive rules. Major Sinclair assured him that the dept wants to work with herpers to devise reasonable and appropriate rules. Rep King asked about simply including specific rules such as wearing safety vests in the bill instead of giving broad authority. He closed, saying that he, Rep Howard, and Major Sinclair would visit further and try to draft an appropriate revision to try and include some rules or limited rule making authority.

Still sounding very favorable. Rep King even commented that the bill seemed to have "overwhelming support".

While everything seems to be progressing in our favor, we MUST remain active and involved. There are still lots of opportunities for our opponents (whoever they are) to sabotage this bill or for well meaning but misinformed parties to slip in revisions that could completely alter the impact of the bill. Although, it seems that Rep King is very dedicated to keeping this bill on track and making sure that it protects our hobby.

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