AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Handfishing, also known as noodling, is the practice and sport of fishing for catfish using one's bare hands. The method involves locating an underwater catfish hole and using an angler's fingers and hand as bait. After catching a catfish, an angler may then safely release the fish into the water. Interested parties have expressed a desire to legalize the practice in Texas.
H.B. 2189 seeks to authorize a person holding the required fishing license and freshwater fishing stamp issued to the person by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to engage in handfishing in the public fresh water of Texas.
H.B. 2189 amends current law relating to the regulation of handfishing.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission in SECTION 1 (Section 66.115, Parks and Wildlife Code) of this bill.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 66, Parks and Wildlife Code, by adding Section 66.115, as follows:
Sec. 66.115. HANDFISHING. (a) Defines, in this section, "handfishing."
(b) Authorizes a person holding the required fishing license and freshwater fishing stamp issued to a person by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to engage in handfishing in the public fresh water of this state.
(c) Authorizes the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission to adopt rules related to handfishing.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2011.