79R5934 KCR-D

By:  Hilderbran                                                   H.B. No. 2027



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the discharge of certain firearms in or on the beds or 
banks of certain rivers and streams in Dimmit, Frio, Uvalde, and 
Zavala Counties; providing a penalty.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Title 7, Parks and Wildlife Code, is amended by 
adding Chapter 284 to read as follows:

CHAPTER 284.  DIMMIT, FRIO, UVALDE, AND ZAVALA COUNTIES
	Sec. 284.001.  DISCHARGE OF FIREARM PROHIBITED.  (a)  In this 
section:
		(1)  "Firearm" has the meaning assigned by Section 
62.014.           
		(2)  "Navigable river or stream" has the meaning 
assigned by Section 90.001.
	(b)  This section applies only to a navigable river or stream 
located wholly or partly in Dimmit, Frio, Uvalde, or Zavala County.
	(c)  Except as provided by Subsection (d), a person may not 
discharge a firearm or shoot an arrow from any kind of bow if:
		(1)  the person is located in or on the bed or bank of a 
navigable river or stream at the time the firearm is discharged or 
the arrow is shot from the bow; or
		(2)  any portion of the ammunition discharged or arrow 
shot could physically contact the bed or bank of a navigable river 
or stream.
	(d)  This section does not apply to:                                    
		(1)  an individual acting in the scope of the 
individual's duties as a peace officer or department employee; or
		(2)  the discharge of a shotgun loaded with ammunition 
that releases only shot when discharged.
	(e)  This section does not limit the ability of a license 
holder to carry a concealed handgun under the authority of 
Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.