TX
Texas House Bill HB596

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas House Bill HB596

Filed
 
Introduced
1/12/11  
Out of House Committee
4/5/11  
Voted on by House
4/15/11  
Refer
2/18/11  
Out of Senate Committee
5/17/11  
Report Pass
3/30/11  
Voted on by Senate
5/20/11  
Engrossed
4/15/11  
Governor Action
6/17/11  
Refer
4/20/11  
Bill Becomes Law
 
Report Pass
5/17/11  
Enrolled
5/23/11  
Enrolled
5/23/11  
Passed
6/17/11  

Caption

Relating to offenses involving operating a motorboat in a circular course.

Impact

The new regulations imposed by HB596 will update the existing laws found in the Parks and Wildlife Code, thereby reinforcing the importance of water safety. The act clarifies that while motorboats must maintain a safe distance from individuals engaged in aquatic activities, an exception exists for boats retrieving a fallen water-skier. This amendment is significant as it seeks to foster a safer recreational environment on Texas waterways, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy water sports without the increased risk from nearby boat traffic.

Summary

House Bill 596, also known as the Britteny Sage Lindt Act, aims to adjust regulations concerning the operation of motorboats in Texas. Specifically, it introduces a prohibition on operating a motorboat in a circular course around individuals engaged in water activities, such as fishing or swimming. This bill was inspired by the need to enhance safety measures on water bodies where recreational activities are common. By establishing these guidelines, the legislation intends to protect individuals participating in such activities from potentially dangerous motorboat maneuvers.

Contention

While HB596 has clear intentions to promote safety in recreational waters, it may also result in discussions surrounding enforcement and the practicality of compliance in busy waterways. Opponents might express concerns regarding how these regulations could impact the flexibility of boat operators, particularly in scenarios where immediate action is required, such as rescuing individuals from distress in the water. As such, the bill may spark debate about finding a balance between operational freedom for boaters and the imperative to ensure public safety.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2279

Relating to the prosecution of certain offenses involving the carrying of weapons at certain locations.

TX SB465

Relating to certain criminal conduct involving a catalytic converter; creating a criminal offense; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB1179

Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB224

Relating to catalytic converters, including criminal conduct involving catalytic converters; providing an administrative penalty; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty; increasing a fee.

TX SB4

Relating to the punishment for certain criminal conduct involving the smuggling of persons or the operation of a stash house; increasing criminal penalties.

TX HB4886

Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB4598

Relating to catalytic converters, including criminal conduct involving catalytic converters; providing an administrative penalty; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty; increasing a fee.

TX HB1833

Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for the offense of criminal mischief involving a public power supply.

TX HB4642

Relating to offenses involving the manufacture or delivery of certain controlled substances and the enforcement and prevention of those offenses; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB467

Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for the offense of criminal mischief involving impairment of a motor fuel pump.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.