By: Elkins (Senate Sponsor - Deuell) H.B. No. 2189

(In the Senate - Received from the House May 4, 2011; May 5, 2011, read first time and referred to Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs; May 17, 2011, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 4, Nays 0; May 17, 2011, sent to printer.)

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the regulation of handfishing.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 66, Parks and Wildlife Code, is amended by adding Section 66.115 to read as follows:

Sec. 66.115. HANDFISHING. (a) In this section, "handfishing" means fishing for catfish by the use of hands only and without any other fishing device such as a gaff, pole hook, trap, or spear.

(b) A person holding the required fishing license and freshwater fishing stamp issued to the person by the department may engage in handfishing in the public fresh water of this state.

(c) The commission may adopt rules related to handfishing.

SECTION 2. 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, 2011.

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