81R15153 SLB-D
By: Wentworth S.B. No. 2095
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to requiring a boater education course for certain
operators of vessels.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Sections 31.109(a) and (c), Parks and Wildlife
Code, are amended to read as follows:
(a) This section applies only to a person who is[:
[(1) born on or after September 1, 1984; and
[(2)] operating on the public water of this state:
(1) [(A)] a vessel powered by a motor of 10 horsepower
or more; or
(2) [(B)] a windblown vessel over 14 feet in length.
(c) The department shall issue a boater identification card
to a person who has successfully completed:
(1) a boater education course, including an exit
examination, approved by the department; or
(2) a course equivalency examination approved by the
department.
SECTION 2. Section 31.110, Parks and Wildlife Code, is
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 31.110. EXEMPTION FROM BOATER EDUCATION COURSE
REQUIREMENT. A person is not required to comply with Section 31.109
if the person:
(1) holds a master's, mate's, or operator's license
issued by the United States Coast Guard;
(2) is supervised by a person who:
(A) is otherwise exempt from the requirements of
Section 31.109 or possesses a boater identification card as
required by Section 31.109; and
(B) is at least 18 years of age; or
(3) [is at least 18 years of age;
[(4)] is not a resident of this state and has proof
that the person has successfully completed a boater education
course or equivalency examination in another state that is approved
by the department[; or
[(5) is exempt by rule of the department].
SECTION 3. The Parks and Wildlife Commission shall adopt
rules to implement the examination required by Section 31.109,
Parks and Wildlife Code, as amended by this Act, not later than
January 1, 2010.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.