AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Under current law it is permissible for motor vehicle operators to allow persons of any age to travel as passengers in or on a towed watercraft. This is dangerous and inconsistent with the restrictions imposed on motor vehicle operators with respect to passengers in the bed of a truck or towed trailer. H.B. 2981 would prohibit motor vehicle operators from allowing passengers in or on a watercraft under tow.
H.B. 2981 amends current law relating to the operation on a highway or street of a motor vehicle that is drawing a boat or personal watercraft in or on which a person is riding and provides a penalty.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter I, Chapter 545, Transportation Code, by adding Section 545.4145, as follows:
Sec. 545.4145. PERSON RIDING IN OR ON BOAT OR PERSONAL WATERCRAFT DRAWN BY VEHICLE. (a) Provides that a person commits an offense if the person operates a motor vehicle on a highway or street and another person occupies a boat or personal watercraft being drawn by the motor vehicle.
(b) Provides that it is a defense to prosecution under this section that the person was operating the motor vehicle in a parade or in an emergency.
(c) Provides, in this section, that "boat" and "personal watercraft" have the meanings assigned by Section 31.003 (Definitions), Parks and Wildlife Code.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2011.