TITLE natural-resources-and-conservation

Part II. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Chapter 53. Finance

Subchapter E. Selling Price of Departmental Information

31 TAC §53.35

Texas Parks and Wildlife proposed amendment to §53.35 of its administrative rules concerning release of customer information sets out the Department policy for reduced rates for nonprofit organizations and other small requests for customer information.

Melanie Callahan, Finance Director, has determined that for each of the first five years that the proposed section is in effect, there will be no negative financial implication to state or local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the proposed section.

Ms. Callahan also has determined that for each of the first five years the proposed section is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of the amended rules as proposed will be increased satisfaction with the consistency and fairness of department customer-list-release rules.

There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no economic costs to persons required to comply with the new amended rules as proposed because the rules allow for reduced rates for obtaining customer lists.

The department has not filed a local impact statement with the Texas Workforce Commission as required by Government Code Section 2001.022, as this agency has determined that the rules as proposed will not impact local economies.

The department has determined that there will not be taking of private real property, as defined by Government Code, Chapter 2007, as a result of the proposed rules.

Comments on the proposed rules may be submitted to Judy Doran, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744; (512) 389-4329, or 1-800-792-1112 or by fax (512) 389-4482.

The proposed rule is authorized by, Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, §11.030, which requires the commission to adopt by rule the policies for the sale of a mailing list consisting of the names and addresses of persons who purchase customer products, licenses, or services.

The proposed rule affects Parks and Wildlife Code, Chapter 11.

§53.35.Release and Sale of Customer Information.

(a)-(c)

(No change.)

(d)

The department may release customer information, except personal information, without charge or at a reduced fee when the executive director deems that release of such information is in the best interest of the state ; and [ . ]

(1)

A non profit group or organization which is specifically organized to promote the statewide goals and missions of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, upon approval of its request, can obtain the lists at the Department's cost. The release of the list will be for a one-time use only and any mailing using the lists must be reviewed and approved by the Department before the data is released;

(2)

A nonprofit group or organization that is not specifically organized to promote the statewide goals and missions of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department but that has stated goals which benefit the Department, upon approval of its request, can obtain the list at one-half of the market price. The release of the list will be for a one-time use only and any mailings must be reviewed and approved by the Department before the data is released;

(3)

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will treat citizens' requests for information on individuals, businesses and other entities who have received a license or permit from the Department as Public Information requests and furnish the names and addresses for the Department's cost if the request is for a small number of names and if disclosure of names and addresses requested is not otherwise prohibited by law. Should the Requestor ask for a large number of such names, the market price will be charged. A request for customer names and addresses for publishing on the INTERNET or other widely distributed media will not be honored if the request is for a large number of names and the Department will not honor requests for customer lists to be published on the INTERNET or other widely distribute media for purposes that are contrary to our goals and mission or are otherwise not in the best interest of the state.

(4)

Requests for TPW lists for research purposes only will be furnished to the Requestor at cost or with costs waived; provided the Requestor agrees in writing to furnish TPW the methodology, all data and conclusions resulting from use of the list(s).

(e)-(f)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on April 19, 1999.

TRD-9902254

Gene McCarty

Chief of Staff

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 30, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 389-4775


Chapter 57. Fisheries

Subchapter E. Permits to Sell Nongame Fish Taken From Public Freshwater

31 TAC §57.381, §57.382

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department proposes amendments to §§57.381-57.382 concerning Permits to Sell Non-game Fish. The proposed changes are intended to simplify the permitting and reporting procedures.

Proposed amendments to §57.381 will require that all permits expire on December 31st of the year issued, while amendments to section §57.382 will require annual reports to be submitted to the department by the 10th day of December, and require monthly reports to be maintained at the permittee's address for one year.

Mr. Joedy Gray, Inland Fisheries Division, has determined that for each of the first five years that the proposed sections are in effect, there will be no negative financial implication to state or local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the proposed sections.

Mr. Gray also has determined that for each of the first five years the proposed sections are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rules as proposed will be increased vendor participation and satisfaction with the consistency and fairness of department purchasing rules.

There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no additional economic costs to persons required to comply with the rules as proposed because such rules in similar have been in effect at General Services Commission for some time. The Commission handles the bulk of state purchasing.

The department has not filed a local impact statement with the Texas Workforce Commission as required by Government Code, Section 2001.022, as this agency has determined that the rules as proposed will not impact local economies.

Comments on the proposed rules may be submitted to Joedy Gray, Inland Fisheries Division, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744; (512) 389-8037 or 1-800-792-1112.

The sections are proposed under Parks and Wildlife Code, §67.0041 which provides statutory authority to the Commission to regulate the sale of nongame fish taken from public waters.

The rules as proposed affect Parks and Wildlife Code, § 67.0041.

§57.381.Permit Specifications and Requirements.

(a)

A permit issued by the department to sell nongame fish taken from public fresh water shall specify:

(1)-(5)

(No change.)

[ (6)

the period of time the permit is valid. ]

(b)-(g)

(No change.)

(h)

All permits issued under these rules expire on December 31 of the year issued.

§57.382.Harvest and Sales Reports.

Annual [ Monthly ] harvest and sales reports must be submitted by the permittee to the department on forms provided by the department.

(1)

Annual [ Harvest and sales ] reports must be received by the department on or before the 10th day of December each year [ each month during the period of the permit's validity ].

[ (2)

Reports must be submitted for months in which no permitted activity occurred.]

(2)

[ (3) ] Reports must include for each species taken:

(A)

species name;

(B)

number of individuals;

(C)

number of pounds;

(D)

means and methods used to take each species;

(E)

water body from which each species was taken; and

(F)

price received, per pound, of each species sold.

[ (4)

A permittee's failure to submit three consecutive reports will initiate proceedings for permit revocation. ]

(3)

[ (5) ] Permittee must maintain sales receipts for all nongame fish sold for a period of one year from date of sale, and these receipts must be available for examination by authorized employees of the department.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on April 19, 1999.

TRD-9902256

Gene McCarty

Chief of Staff

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 30, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 389-4775


Chapter 65. Wildlife

Subchapter A. Statewide Hunting and Fishing Proclamation

2. Open Seasons and Bag Limits--Hunting Provisions

31 TAC §65.64

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department proposes an amendment to §65.64, concerning Turkey. The amendment is necessary to advance the commission's policy to providing the greatest hunter opportunity possible within the tenets of sound biological management. The department's stocking operations in the eastern third of the state have made it biologically feasible to allow the hunting of Eastern wild turkey in certain counties, as well as to permit the take of turkeys by means of lawful archery equipment and crossbows. The amendment will function by: opening a season for the hunting of Eastern wild turkey in seven East Texas counties; and allowing turkeys to be taken by any lawful means except firearms other than shotgun.

Robert Macdonald, Wildlife Division regulations coordinator, has determined that for each of the first five years that the amendment is in effect, there will be no negative fiscal implications to state or local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the proposed amendment.

Mr. Macdonald also has determined that for each of the first five years the proposed amendment is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule as proposed will be increased recreational hunting opportunity in this state.

There will be no effect on small businesses. There are no economic costs to persons required to comply with the rule as proposed.

The department has not filed a local impact statement with the Texas Workforce Commission as required by Government Code, §2001.022, as this agency has determined that the rule as proposed will not impact local economies.

The department has determined that there will not be a taking of private real property, as defined by Government Code, Chapter 2007, as a result of the proposed rule.

Comments on the proposed rule may be submitted to Jerry Cooke, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744; (512) 389-4774 or 1-800-792-1112.

The amendment is proposed under Parks and Wildlife Code, Chapter 61, Uniform Wildlife Regulatory Act (Wildlife Conservation Act of 1983), which provides the Commission with authority to establish wildlife resource regulations for this state.

The amendment affects Parks and Wildlife Code, Chapter 61.

§65.64.Turkey.

(a)-(b)

(No change.)

(c)

Eastern turkey. The open seasons and bag limits for Eastern turkey shall be as follows. In Angelina, Bowie, Cass, Cherokee, Delta, Fannin, Grayson, Gregg, Harrison, Hopkins, Jasper, Lamar, Marion, Montgomery (north of State Hwy. 105), Nacogdoches, Newton, Polk, Red River, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, [ and ] Trinity , Tyler (north of U.S. Hwy. 190), and Walker counties , there is a spring season during which both Rio Grande and Eastern turkey may be lawfully hunted .

(1)

Open season: the Monday nearest April 14 for 14 consecutive days.

(2)

Bag limit (both species combined): one turkey, gobbler only.

(3)

In the counties listed in this subsection:

(A)

it is unlawful to hunt turkey by any means other than a shotgun , lawful archery equipment, or crossbow;

(B)-(C)

(No change.)

(d)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on April 19, 1999.

TRD-9902249

Gene McCarty

Chief of Staff

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 30, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 389-4775


Subchapter N. Migratory Game Bird Proclamation

31 TAC §§65.315, 65.318-65.320

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission proposes amendments to §§65.315, 65.318, 65.319, and 65.320, concerning the Migratory Game Bird Proclamation. The amendment to §65.315 changes the season for mourning dove to create a 70-day season and a 12-bird daily bag limit; and adjusts the sandhill crane seasons to account for calendar shift. The amendments to §§65.318, 65.319, and 65.320 adjust the season dates for late-season species of migratory game birds, early-season falconry, and late-season falconry, respectively, to account for calendar-shift. The amendments are necessary to implement commission policy to provide maximum hunter opportunity possible under frameworks issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service). The Service has not issued regulatory frameworks for the 1999-2000 hunting seasons for migratory game birds; however, the department intends to follow commission policy in adopting the most liberal provisions possible under the frameworks in order to provide maximum hunter opportunity.

Robert Macdonald, Wildlife Division regulations coordinator, has determined that for the first five years that the amendments as proposed are in effect, there will be no additional fiscal implications to state or local governments of enforcing or administering the amendments.

Mr. Macdonald also has determined that for each of the first five years the amendments are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rules as proposed will be the department's discharge of its statutory obligation to manage and conserve the state's populations of migratory game birds, as well as the implementation of commission policy to maximize recreational opportunity for the citizenry.

There will be no effect on small businesses. There are no additional economic costs to persons required to comply with the rules as proposed.

The department has not filed a local impact statement with the Texas Workforce Commission as required by Government Code, §2001.022, as the department has determined that the rules as proposed will not impact local economies.

The department has determined that there will not be a taking of private real property, as defined by Government Code, Chapter 2007, as a result of the proposed rules.

Comments on the proposed rules may submitted to Vernon Bevill, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas, 78744; (512) 389-4578 or 1-800-792-1112.

The amendments are proposed under Parks and Wildlife Code, Chapter 64, which authorizes the Commission and the Executive Director to provide the open season and means, methods, and devices for the hunting and possessing of migratory game birds.

The amendments affect Parks and Wildlife Code, Chapter 64.

§65.315.Open Seasons and Bag and Possession Limits - Early Season.

(a)

Rails.

(1)

Dates: September 11-26, 1999 [ 12-27, 1998 ], and October 23 [ 24 ] - December 15, 1999 [ 16, 1998 ].

(2)

(No change.)

(b)

Dove seasons.

(1)

North Zone.

(A)

Dates: September 1- November 9, 1999 [ October 30, 1998 ].

(B)

Daily bag limit: 12 [ 15 ] mourning doves, white-winged doves, and white-tipped (white-fronted) doves in the aggregate, including no more than two white-tipped doves per day;

(C)

Possession limit: 24 [ 30 ] mourning doves, white-winged doves, and white-tipped doves in the aggregate, including no more than four white-tipped doves in possession.

(2)

Central Zone.

(A)

Dates: September 1-October 24, 1999 [ 18, 1998 ], and December 26, 1999 [ 1998 ] -January 10, 2000 [ 6, 1999 ].

(B)

Daily bag limit: 12 [ 15 ] mourning doves, white-winged doves, and white-tipped (white-fronted) doves in the aggregate, including no more than two white-tipped doves per day;

(C)

Possession limit: 24 [ 30 ] mourning doves, white-winged doves, and white-tipped doves in the aggregate, including no more than four white-tipped doves in possession.

(3)

South Zone.

(A)

Dates: Except in the special white-winged dove area as defined in §65.314 of this title (relating to Zones and Boundaries for Early Season Species), September 24 [ 25 ]-November 14, 1999 [ 8, 1998 ], and December 26, 1999 [ 1998 ]-January 12, 2000 [ 9, 1999 ]. In the special white-winged dove area, the mourning dove season is September 24 [ 25 ]-November 14, 1999 [ 8, 1998 ], and December 26, 1999 [ 1998 ]-January 8, 2000 [ 5, 1999 ].

(B)

Daily bag limit: 12 [ 15 ] mourning doves, white-winged doves, and white-tipped (white-fronted) doves in the aggregate, including no more than two white-tipped doves per day;

(C)

Possession limit: 24 [ 30 ] mourning doves, white-winged doves, and white-tipped doves in the aggregate, including no more than four white-tipped doves in possession.

(4)

Special white-winged dove area.

(A)

Dates: September 4, 5, 11, and 12, 1999 [ 5, 6, 12, and 13, 1998 ].

(B)-(C)

(No change.)

(c)

Gallinules.

(1)

Dates: September 11-26, 1999 [ 12-27, 1998 ], and October 23, 1999 [ 24, 1998 ] - December 15, 1999 [ 16, 1998 ].

(2)

(No change.)

(d)

September teal-only season [ Teal ducks ].

(1)

Dates: September 11-26, 1999 [ 12-27, 1998 ].

(2)

(No change.)

(e)-(f)

(No change.)

(g)

Sandhill cranes. A free permit is required of any person to hunt sandhill cranes in areas where an open season is provided under this proclamation. Permits will be issued on an impartial basis with no limitation on the number of permits that may be issued. The daily bag limit is three. The possession limit is six.

(1)

Zone A: November 13, 1999 [ 7, 1998 ]-February 13, 2000 [ 7, 1999 ].

(2)

Zone B: December 4, 1999 [ November 28, 1998 ]- February 13, 2000 [ February 7, 1999 ].

(3)

Zone C: January 8, 2000 [ 2, 1999 ]- February 13, 2000 [ 7, 1999 ].

(h)

Woodcock: December 18, 1999 [ 1998 ]-January 31, 2000 [ 1999 ]. The daily bag limit is three. The possession limit is six.

(i)

Common snipe (Wilson's snipe or jacksnipe): October 17, 1999 [ 1998 ]-January 31, 2000 [ 1999 ]. The daily bag limit is eight. The possession limit is 16.

§65.318.Open Seasons and Bag and Possession Limits - Late Season.

Except as specifically provided in this section, the possession limit for all species listed in this section shall be twice the daily bag limit.

(1)

Ducks, mergansers, and coots. The daily bag limit for ducks is six, which may include no more than five mallards or Mexican mallards (Mexican duck), only two of which may be hens, one mottled duck, one pintail, two redheads, one canvasback, and two wood ducks. The daily bag limit for coots is 15. The daily bag limit for mergansers is five, which may include no more than one hooded merganser.

(A)

High Plains Mallard Management Unit: October 16-19, 1999 [ 17-20, 1998 ], and October 23, 1999 [ 24, 1998 ] - January 16, 2000 [ 17, 1999 ].

(B)

North Zone: October 30 [ 31 ] - November 7, 1999 [ 8, 1998 ], and November 13, 1999 [ 14, 1998 ] - January 16, 2000 [ 17, 1999 ].

(C)

South Zone: October 23 [ 24 ] - November 28, 1999 [ 29, 1998 ], and December 11, 1999 [ 12, 1998 ] - January 16, 2000 [ 17, 1999 ].

(2)

Geese.

(A)

Western Zone.

(i)

Light geese: October 30, 1999 [ 31, 1998 ] - February 13, 2000 [ 14, 1999 ]. The daily bag limit for light geese is 20, and there is no possession limit.

(ii)

Dark geese: October 30, 1999 [ 31, 1998 ] - February 13, 2000 [ 14, 1999 ]. The daily bag limit for dark geese is five, which may not include more than four Canada geese and one white-fronted goose.

(B)

Eastern Zone.

(i)

Light geese: October 30, 1999 [ 31, 1998 ] - February 13, 2000 [ 14, 1999 ]. The daily bag limit for light geese is 20, and there is no possession limit.

(ii)

Dark geese:

(I)

White-fronted geese: October 23, 1999 [ 24, 1998 ] - January 16, 2000 [ 17, 1999 ]. The daily bag limit for white-fronted geese is one.

(II)

Canada geese and brant: October 30, 1999 [ 31, 1998 ] - January 30, 2000 [ 31, 1999 ]. The daily bag limit is one Canada goose or one brant, except during the period from January 17-30 [ 18-31 ], when the bag limit is two in the aggregate.

(3)

Special Youth-Only Season. There shall be a special youth-only duck season during which the hunting, taking, and possession of ducks, mergansers, and coots is restricted to licensed hunters 15 years of age and younger accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older. Bag and possession limits in any given zone during the season established by this paragraph shall be as provided for that zone by paragraph (1) of this section. Season dates are as follows:

(A)

High Plains Mallard Management Unit: October 9, 1999 [ 10, 1998 ];

(B)

North Zone: October 23, 1999 [ 24, 1998 ]; and

(C)

South Zone: October 16, 1999 [ 17, 1998 ].

§65.319.Extended Falconry Season - Early Season Species.

(a)

It is lawful to take the species of migratory birds listed in this section by means of falconry during the following Extended Falconry Seasons:

(1)

mourning doves and white-winged doves: November 19 [ 9 ] - December 25, 1999 [ 1998 ]; and

(2)

rails and gallinules: December 16, 1999 [ 17, 1998 ] - January 21, 2000 [ 22, 1999 ].

(3)

woodcock: November 24-December 17, 1999 [ 1998 ], and February 1-March 10, 2000 [ 1999 ].

(b)

(No change.)

§65.320.Extended Falconry Season - Late Season Species.

(a)

It is lawful to take the species of migratory birds listed in this section by means of falconry during the following Extended Falconry Seasons. Ducks, coots, and mergansers:

(1)

High Plains Mallard Management Unit: no extended falconry season; and

(2)

Remainder of the state: January 17 [ 18 ] - February 1, 2000 [ 2, 1999 ].

(b)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on April 19, 1999.

TRD-9902250

Gene McCarty

Chief of Staff

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 30, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 389-4775