BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 550

By: Guillen

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note that there exists a certain contradiction between federal law and state law with regard to sound-producing devices on vessels, which if not fixed could jeopardize millions of dollars in federal funding for boating safety compliance. H.B. 550 seeks to address this issue by making certain statutory changes relating to sound-producing devices on vessels.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 550 amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to expand the requirement that a motorboat have an efficient whistle or other sound-producing device, if one is required by the commandant of the Coast Guard, to apply to a watercraft vessel. The bill adds an exception to the exemption of canoes, kayaks, punts, rowboats, sailboats, rubber rafts, and other paddle craft from all safety equipment requirements to require each such vessel to have a sound-producing device if required.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2017.