SRC-AXB H.B. 3462 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 3462 76R11625 MI-FBy: Alexander (Armbrister) Natural Resources 5/9/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, specified vessels are required to carry hull identifications numbers. The Parks and Wildlife Department is authorized to issue numbers to vessels which are not required by law to carry one, such as homemade vessels. Additionally, many outboard motor manufacturers place a serial number on their motors, although they are not required to do so by law. Tampering with these official hull and motor numbers is prohibited by law and an owner is required to take certain actions to prove legal ownership if the numbers have been tampered with. H.B. 3462 sets forth provisions for the issuance of serial numbers for vessels and outboard motors. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 3462 sets forth provisions for the issuance of serial numbers for vessels and outboard motors. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Sections 31.043, Parks and Wildlife Code, to require all vessels manufactured in Texas for sale and all vessels sold, numbered, or titled in Texas to carry certain certification. Provides that this subsection does not apply to certain vessels. Authorizes the owner of a vessel that does not have a manufacturer's hull identification number (HIN) to file an application. Requires the application to include a sworn statement, including the reason for the lack of HIN. Requires a $25 fee and a certificate of inspection to accompany the application. Prohibits the destruction of an outboard motor or hull serial number. Requires the statement to be accompanied by a $25 fee and a certificate from a game warden. Requires the Parks and Wildlife Department (PWD) to enter certain information and issue certain serial numbers, upon receipt of an approved statement. Provides that this section does not apply to certain vessels. Deletes text regarding certain applicable fees. SECTION 2. Amends Section 31.047(f), Parks and Wildlife Code, to provide that a game warden commissioned by the PWD, rather than a peace officer, issues a certificate. Requires the applicant to pay a fee to the PWD, rather than the peace officer's employer. SECTION 3. Amends Section 31.055, Parks and Wildlife Code, to provide that this subchapter does not apply to vessels with a document issued by the United States Coast Guard's National Vessel Documentation Center, rather than the Bureau of Customs of the United States, or a sucessor to the National Vessel Documentation Center, rather than the Bureau of Customs. SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 1999. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 5. Emergency clause.