By: Leo-Wilson H.B. No. 4992
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to requirements for the closure of certain areas to the
taking of oysters.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 76.115, Parks and Wildlife Code, is
amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (g) to
read as follows:
(a) Subject to Subsections (c) and (g), the [The] commission
may close an area to the taking of oysters when the commission finds
that the area is being overworked or damaged or the area is to be
reseeded or restocked.
(g) If the commission closes an area of public oyster beds
under this section, the commission shall make available for private
lease an area for the taking of oysters. The area made available
under this subsection must be at least equivalent in size to the
closed area.
(h) The Texas General Land Office shall authorize leases
under Subsection (g) for a period of at least 10 years.
SECTION 2. Section 76.115, Parks and Wildlife Code, as
amended by this Act, applies only to the closure of an area to the
taking of oysters by the Parks and Wildlife Commission or the
executive director of the Parks and Wildlife Department on or after
the effective date of this Act.
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, 2023.