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Committee adopts amendment to require county approval for state-park permits in SB 473
Summary
Senate Bill 473, amended to add county approval for a new state-park permit with the Alcoholic Beverage Control board, passed the City, County & Local Affairs Committee; sponsors said the change standardizes park operations and aids tourism while members sought assurances about local control where parks straddle jurisdictions.
The committee voted to pass Senate Bill 473 with an amendment that requires county approval for a new state-park permit administered by the Alcoholic Beverage Control board.
Senator Missy Irvin, the sponsor, said the amendment was requested by committee members and ensures county (quorum court) approval is part of the process, and it also addresses transition issues so parks with existing permits will not have to reapply. "With the amendment, [SB 473] requires county approval as well," Irvin said.
Members asked whether the change would allow private clubs at state parks in dry counties and whether a city council vote would also be required where parks cross municipal boundaries. Irvin and staff replied county ordinance/approval would be required and that the amendment was intentionally limited to county approval to avoid redundancy in areas outside city limits. Supporters framed the change as a tool to create consistency in state-park offerings and to help parks that are operating near or in the red to market and serve patrons consistently.
The committee adopted the amendment by voice vote and then passed SB 473 as amended.
What happens next: The bill advances from committee with the added requirement that county authorities have approval authority for the new state-park permit process.
