H.B. No. 597
AN ACT
relating to boater education and examinations on preventing the
spread of exotic harmful or potentially harmful aquatic plants,
fish, and shellfish.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 31.108, Parks and Wildlife Code, is
amended by adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows:
(a-1) A boater education course or equivalency examination
under this section must include information on how to prevent the
spread of exotic harmful or potentially harmful aquatic plants,
fish, and shellfish, including department-approved methods for
cleaning:
(1) a boat;
(2) a boat's motor;
(3) fishing and other equipment; and
(4) a boat trailer.
SECTION 2. The Parks and Wildlife Department boater
education courses and equivalency examinations must include
information on how to prevent the spread of exotic harmful or
potentially harmful aquatic plants, fish, and shellfish as required
by Section 31.108(a-1), Parks and Wildlife Code, as added by this
Act, on or before January 1, 2014.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2013.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 597 was passed by the House on April
3, 2013, by the following vote: Yeas 147, Nays 0, 2 present, not
voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 597 was passed by the Senate on May 9,
2013, by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: _____________________
Date
_____________________
Governor