The closed season could be no fewer than 10 days and no longer than 30 days, and would have to fall between Jan. 31 and April 1. Because the traps would be considered abandoned and litter, wardens could collect and immediately destroy them. Under current regulations, any tagged crab trap collected by wardens must be held in storage and the owner given the opportunity to reclaim it. If no one claims the traps, they can be destroyed only after wardens get a court order, a process that can take weeks or months. For good or ill, the fate of the above-mentioned bills will be decided between now and the biennial session's May 28 close.
Individual citizens can and do play a crucial role in determining the destiny of much legislation.
And with the Internet and the Texas Legislature's excellent Web site, it's easier than ever for citizens to offer those opinions. Those who don't let their minds be known to their representatives could have themselves to blame when they're pouring sweat under a stifling life jacket all day this Labor Day weekend. Shannon Tompkins covers the outdoors for the Chronicle. His column appears Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.