AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Interested parties contend that the broadness of the current requirements for the placement of identification numbers and registration decals on aquatic vessels has led to visibility problems, especially on vessels with complex hull structures, and issues involving the placement of identification numbers in locations susceptible to being rendered unrecognizable in the process of wear and tear.  These parties express concern that addressing situations that arise from such complications cost time and resources for enforcement agencies.  H.B. 115 seeks to make identification markings on vessels more visible by revising the requirements for the location and manner of placement of identification number and registration decals.

 

H.B. 115 amends current law relating to identification numbers on vessels.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

Rulemaking authority previously granted to the Parks and Wildlife Commission is modified in SECTION 3 (Section 31.032, Parks and Wildlife Code) of this bill.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 31.021(b), Parks and Wildlife Code, as follows:

 

(b)  Authorizes no person to operate or give permission for the operation of any vessel or to dock, moor, or store a vessel owned by the person on the water of this state unless the vessel is numbered as required by Chapter 31 (Water Safety), the certificate of number awarded to the vessel is in full force and effect, and the identifying number set forth in the certificate is properly displayed on the vessel as required by this chapter, rather than displayed on each side of the bow of the vessel as required by this chapter.

 

SECTION 2.  Amends the heading to Section 31.032, Parks and Wildlife Code, to read as follows:

 

Sec. 31.032.  NUMBERING LOCATION AND VISIBILITY; EXEMPTION; DECAL.

 

SECTION 3.  Amends Section 31.032, Parks and Wildlife Code, by amending Subsections (a) and (c) and adding Subsection (a-1), as follows:

 

(a)  Requires the owner of a vessel to paint on or attach to each side of the forward half of the vessel, rather than near the bow, the identification number and a registration decal, rather than a validation decal, in the manner prescribed by the Parks and Wildlife Department.

 

(a-1)  Requires that the number on a vessel configured so that a number on the hull or superstructure is not easily visible, be painted on or attached to a backing plate that is attached to the forward half of the vessel so that the number is visible from each side of the vessel.

 

(c)  Requires the Parks and Wildlife Commission to adopt rules for the placement of the registration decal, rather than the validation decal, in an alternate location for antique boats.  Redefines “antique boat” in this subsection.

 

SECTION 4.  Amends Sections 31.033(a) and (b), Parks and Wildlife Code, as follows:

 

(a)  Prohibits a person from painting, attaching, or otherwise displaying on the forward half of a vessel, rather than on either side of the bow of a vessel, a number other than the number awarded to the vessel or granted reciprocity under this chapter.

(b)  Prohibits a person from defacing or altering the certificate of number or the number assigned to and appearing on a vessel, rather than appearing on the bow of a vessel.

 

SECTION 5.  Effective date:  September 1, 2013.