80R1572 SGA-F
 
  By: Kuempel H.B. No. 308
 
 
 
   
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the use of laser sighting devices by hunters who are
legally blind.
       BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
       SECTION 1.  Section 62.005, Parks and Wildlife Code, is
amended to read as follows:
       Sec. 62.005.  HUNTING WITH LIGHT.  Except as provided by
Section 62.0055, no [No] person may hunt a game animal or bird
protected by this code with the aid of an artificial light that
casts or reflects a beam of light onto or otherwise illuminates the
game animal or bird, including the headlights of a motor vehicle.
       SECTION 2.  Subchapter A, Chapter 62, Parks and Wildlife
Code, is amended by adding Section 62.0055 to read as follows:
       Sec. 62.0055.  HUNTING WITH LASER SIGHTING DEVICE BY LEGALLY
BLIND HUNTER. (a)  In this section, "legally blind" has the meaning
assigned by Section 62.104, Government Code.
       (b)  A legally blind hunter may use a laser sighting device
during regular hunting hours when assisted by a person who is not
legally blind.
       (c)  The legally blind hunter must carry proof of being
legally blind.
       SECTION 3.  (a)  Not later than January 1, 2008, the Parks
and Wildlife Commission shall adopt rules that prescribe what is
acceptable as proof of being legally blind under Section 62.0055,
Parks and Wildlife Code, as added by this Act.
       (b)  The Parks and Wildlife Department may not enforce
Section 62.0055(c), Parks and Wildlife Code, as added by this Act,
until the rules adopted under Subsection (a) of this section take
effect.
       SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2007.