Enrolled Bill Summary

House Bill 1241	House Author:  Guillen et al.
Effective:  6-14-13	Senate Sponsor:  Deuell

            House Bill 1241 amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to authorize the Parks and Wildlife Commission to adopt rules requiring a person leaving or approaching public water to drain from a vessel or portable container on board the vessel any water that has been collected from or has come in contact with public water. The bill excludes salt water from that authority and requires the commission, when promulgating the rules, to consider the effects on boaters, anglers, and local interests while maintaining the ability to prevent the spread of harmful or potentially harmful exotic fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants. If the commission adopts such rules, the bill authorizes a Parks and Wildlife Department employee to inspect a vessel leaving or approaching public water, including any portable containers on board the vessel, for the presence of water.