BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3807

By: Hunter

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Rip currents naturally occur by rocky formations, piers, and jetties. Increasing awareness of natural conditions that pose a significant risk on Texas beaches, such as rip currents, is a critical element to improve public safety. Recognizing and being prepared for rip currents and other hazards may save lives. H.B. 3807 seeks to provide awareness of these hazards by requiring a municipality, county, or the Parks and Wildlife Department, during applicable months, to provide occupied lifeguard towers on each side of each pier, jetty, or other structure that protrudes into the Gulf of Mexico that is located on certain beaches and post signs within 100 yards of each structure clearly describing the dangerous water conditions that may occur near the structure.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 3807 amends the Natural Resources Code and Parks and Wildlife Code to require a municipality, county, or the Parks and Wildlife Department, as part of the duty to clean and maintain the condition of public beaches, to do the following:

· during reasonable daylight hours for the months of March through November, provide occupied lifeguard towers on each side of each pier, jetty, or other structure that protrudes into the Gulf of Mexico that is located within the corporate boundaries, on a certain public beach, or within a state park, as applicable; and

· post within 100 yards of each side of each structure signs clearly describing the dangerous water conditions that may occur near the structure.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.