Bill > HB4229

This bill modifies the Parks and Wildlife Code regarding the use of proceeds from saltwater fishing stamp sales, changing the language from mandatory spending to permissive spending with specific guidelines. Under the revised law, the net receipts from saltwater fishing stamp sales may be spent only for coastal fisheries management, including four key areas: (1) repair, maintenance, renovation, and construction of saltwater fish hatcheries and related facilities, (2) restoration and management of saltwater fish habitats, (3) development of shoreline-based projects to provide saltwater angler access, and (4) purchasing licenses under specific license buyback programs. The bill removes previous language that automatically appropriated the funds and replaces it with more flexible but targeted spending guidelines. The changes will apply only to stamp receipts collected on or after the bill's effective date (September 1, 2025), with previous receipts still governed by the existing law at that time.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4229