TITLE: Relating to boater education and examinations on preventing the spread of exotic harmful or potentially harmful aquatic plants, fish, and shellfish.

SUMMARY: Relating to boater education and examinations on preventing the spread of exotic harmful or potentially harmful aquatic plants, fish, and shellfish.

FULL TEXT:
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.