AUSTIN, Texas -

SUNSET STAFF REPORT FOR TPWD ISSUED

The staff of the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission has released its report following a review of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The 12-member commission, made up of 10 legislators and two public members, reviews the policies and programs of more than 150 government agencies every 12 years. The commission questions the need for each agency, looks for potential duplication of other public services or programs, and considers new and innovative changes to improve each agency's operations and activities. The department’s review was moved up and done five years early as an outcome of the last legislative session. The complete staff report is available online (http://www.sunset.state.tx.us/81.htm#tpwd). Listed below are the Sunset staff’s seven issues/recommendations for TPWD, taken verbatim from the staff report issued last Friday. 

1. Texas Parks and Wildlife Cannot Minimize Risk From Harmful Exotic Aquatic Plants Under Its Current Regulatory Approach
2. TPWD Cannot Fully Assess the Impact of Its Resource Protection Efforts
3. TPWD’s Internal Affairs Function Lacks Statutory Standing and an Adequate Connection to the Parks and Wildlife Commission
4. Improve Enforcement of Texas Game Laws by Joining the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact
5. Streamline Boat and Boat Trailer Titling and Registration to Provide Better Services to Citizens
6. The Department is Well Positioned to Use the Parrie Haynes Ranch to Help Texas’ Youth
7. Texas Has a Continuing Need for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

The department will now prepare a management response addressing these points, which is due later this month. After that, the Sunset Commission will hold public hearings for a number of state agencies under review, including TPWD, on Dec. 15-16. The Sunset Commission will ultimately make recommendations to the legislature, and a sunset bill will be filed and considered containing final legislative modifications to the department coming out of the sunset review process.

BILL PREFILING BEGINS FOR 81st TEXAS LEGISLATURE

The process of prefiling bills to be considered in the next legislative session began last Monday, Nov. 10. Already, close to 500 bills have been filed, including about 50 that TPWD is monitoring. The 81st legislature convenes Tuesday, Jan. 13.

Summary of Issues and Recommendations from Sunset Advisory Commission, Staff Report:

Issue 1
Texas Parks and Wildlife Cannot Minimize Risk From Harmful Exotic Aquatic Plants Under Its Current Regulatory Approach.

Key Recommendations

1. Require the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to create a list of aquatic plants that may be imported and possessed within Texas without a permit.
2. Direct the Department to provide greater information to the public on the harm caused by releasing
   exotic species.

Issue 2
TPWD Cannot Fully Assess the Impact of Its Resource Protection Efforts.

Key Recommendations

1. Require entities that receive comments on proposed projects or permits from TPWD to respond to TPWD on the disposition of those comments.
2. Direct TPWD to track the disposition of its comments and use that information to improve its review processes.

Issue 3
TPWD’s Internal Affairs Function Lacks Statutory Standing and an Adequate Connection to the Parks and Wildlife Commission.

Key Recommendations

1. Establish an Internal Aff airs Offi ce in statute with original jurisdiction over crimes committed on TPWD property, or related to the duties of TPWD employees.
2. Require the Internal Aff airs Offi ce to report information on trends and recently closed cases to the Parks and Wildlife Commission, and grant the Commission authority to initiate cases.

Issue 4
Improve Enforcement of Texas Game Laws by Joining the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.

Key Recommendation

1. Authorize the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission to join the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact on behalf of the State of Texas.

Issue 5
Streamline Boat and Boat Trailer Titling and Registration to Provide Better Services to Citizens.

Key Recommendation

1. Direct the Department to make an extensive eff ort to assist counties to off er boat registration and title services throughout Texas.

Issue 6
The Department is Well Positioned to Use the Parrie Haynes Ranch to Help Texas’ Youth.

Key Recommendations

1. Instruct TPWD and TYC to jointly seek representation by the Attorney General to pursue a modification of the Trust terms and purpose of the Parrie Haynes Trust that would designate TPWD as the state agency responsible for the Ranch and Trust.
2. Direct TPWD to increase its use of the Parrie Haynes Ranch to be as consistent as possible with the will’s intent.

Issue 7
Texas Has a Continuing Need for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Key Recommendations

1. Continue the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for 12 years.
2. Direct TPWD to evaluate and align its programs with the conservation and recreation goals outlined in the Land and Water Resources Conservation and Recreation Plan.

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