BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 969
80R6672 ABC-D By: Estes
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Currently, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is not authorized to register and title vessels without the payment of fees. A vessel is defined under Chapter 31, Parks and Wildlife Code, as any watercraft, other than a seaplane on water, used or capable of being used for transportation on water. Although government-owned vessels are currently exempt from titling and registration provisions, some government organizations request titles and registration for their vessels.
As proposed, S.B. 969 authorizes TPWD to register government-owned vessels without charging a fee.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter B-1, Chapter 31, Parks and Wildlife Code, by adding Section 31.056, as follows:
Sec. 31.056. FEE EXEMPTION FOR GOVERNMENT VESSELS AND OUTBOARD MOTORS. Provides that a fee imposed by this chapter (Water Safety) does not apply to a vessel or outboard motor purchased by, owned by, or used exclusively in the service of this state, a political subdivision of this state, or the federal government.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2007.