Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I do not visit the forums that often and just got wind of HB 2414 (Yes, I'm a hermit). Is there a site (such as the one posted a couple of months ago on the HB concerning exotic constrictors and venomous snakes) that summarizes the nature of HB 2414, its consequences on road cruising, and provides a list of the most important people that should be contacted, and possibly provides sample form letters that one could submit for those of us who cannot express our views that well? I am not a die hard road cruiser (once every few years), but would like to get involved. Any help would be appreciated.

swiss

This forum seems to be the general clearing house for info and updates about the bill. Cruise the prior post for updates, summaries, and sample letters. Several excellent letters have been posted by Troy, Forks, and others. Any of these letters could be copied, but it would be best to add your own personal comments and style.

check the threads below. If I get time, I'll post links to some pertinent ones, but I'm at work and can only get on here a few minutes at a time.

Troy

www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/80R/billtext/html/HB02414H.htm

80R11719 SGA-F

By: Isett H.B. No. 2414

Substitute the following for H.B. No. 2414:

By: Hilderbran C.S.H.B. No. 2414

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to hunting from public roads or rights-of-way.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 62.001, Parks and Wildlife Code, is
amended by adding Subdivision (3) to read as follows:
(3) "Public road or right-of-way" means a public
street, alley, road, right-of-way, or other public way, including a
berm, ditch, or shoulder.
SECTION 2. 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.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all 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, 2007.

THIS IS THE OFFICIAL ANALYSIS PROVIDED TO HOUSE REPS
THIS IS NOT A CORRECT OR VALID ANALYSIS

www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/80R/analysis/html/HB02414H.htm

BILL ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 2414

By: Isett, Carl

Culture, Recreation, & Tourism

Committee Report (Substituted)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Current law allows for the hunting of non-game species on a public road or right of way provided they are on foot and not in a vehicle. This can be a safety issue as well as being detrimental to populations of animals needed for the survival of other species.

CSHB2414 will prohibit the hunting of wild animals or birds on a public roads or rights-of-way.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

No rulemaking authority is expressly granted by this bill.

ANALYSIS

SECTION 1 of the bill defines the terms "public road or right-of-way".

SECTION 2 of the bill amends Subchapter A, Chapter 62, Parks and Wildlife Code, by adding Section 62.0031, which prohibits the hunting of wild animals or birds from a public road or right of way, as defined in the bill. This section does not apply to the trapping of a raptor for educational or sporting purposes.

SECTION 3 of the bill provides the effective date.

EFFECTIVE DATE

The bill is effective upon a 2/3 vote of all members of the legislature. If a 2/3 favorable vote is not obtained, this bill will be effective on September 1, 2007.

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

CSHB2414 changes the terminology about what animals may not be hunted from a public road or right of way by substituting "wild animal" for "game animal, wild fowl." It also provides an exception for trapping of raptors for educational or sporting purposes.

This link provides the "official" history of HB 2414.

www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=80R&Bill=HB2414

Here are a few sample letters. It would be best to revise them with you own style and personal comments.

Letter from Troy to the Calendar Committee:
forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=1297686,1297686

Official Position Statement from DFWHS:
forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=1296264,1296264

Official Positions Statement from THS:
forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=1294810,1294810

Troy's Letter to the Local & Consent Calendar Committee:
forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=1293783,1293783

My letter to all House Members on "Unintended Consequences":
forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=1293783,1293783

I think others have been posted. These are just the ones I was able to locate with a brief review.

Here are some posts with contact info for key members:

Calendar Committee Phone & Fax #s:
forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=1297524,1297537

House & Senate Adresses (formatted for mailing labels):
forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=1291616,1291616

Find Your Rep / List of Reps with Counties they serve:
www.house.state.tx.us/members/welcome.php