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.