TITLE: Relating to the authority of coastal counties to adopt certain rules for island parks, beach parks, and public beaches; creating a criminal offense.

SUMMARY: Relating to the authority of coastal counties to adopt certain rules for island parks, beach parks, and public beaches; creating a criminal offense.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the authority of coastal counties to adopt certain rules for island parks, beach parks, and public beaches; creating a criminal offense. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Chapter 321, Local Government Code, is amended by adding Subchapter Eto read as follows: SUBCHAPTER E. COASTAL COUNTY ISLAND PARK, BEACH PARK, AND PUBLIC BEACH RULES Sec. 321.101. APPLICABILITY. Notwithstanding Section 321.001, this subchapter applies only to: (1) a county described by Section 321.001; and (2) a county that borders on the Gulf of Mexico and has within its boundaries a beach that: (A) is wholly or partly operated by the county as a park; or (B) is otherwise controlled or maintained by the county. Sec. 321.102. RULES. The commissioners court of a county by order may adopt reasonable rules on camping, access, litter, resource protection, or waste disposal if the rules: (1) are consistent with Chapter 352 of this code, Chapters 61 and 63, Natural Resources Code, and rules adopted under those chapters; and (2) apply only in the following locations controlled or maintained by the county: (A) an island park; (B) a beach park; or (C) any part of a public beach. Sec. 321.103. OFFENSE. (a) A person commits an offense if the person violates a rule adopted under Section 321.102. (b) An offense under this section is a Class Cmisdemeanor. SECTION 2. The heading to Chapter 321, Local Government Code, is amended to read as follows: CHAPTER 321. [PARKS BOARD AND PARK BONDS:] ISLAND PARKS,BEACH PARKS, AND PUBLIC BEACHES OF COASTAL COUNTIES SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.