85R5262 AAF-F
 
  By: Guillen H.B. No. 550
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to sound-producing devices on vessels.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 31.065, Parks and Wildlife Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 31.065.  SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES. A vessel [motorboat]
  must have an efficient whistle or other sound-producing device if
  one is required by the commandant of the Coast Guard.
         SECTION 2.  Section 31.073(a), Parks and Wildlife Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  All canoes, kayaks, punts, rowboats, sailboats, rubber
  rafts, and other paddle craft when paddled, poled, oared, or
  windblown are exempt from all safety equipment requirements except
  each vessel must have the following:
               (1)  one Coast Guard approved wearable personal
  flotation device for each person aboard; [and]
               (2)  the lights prescribed by the commandant of the
  Coast Guard for vessels and required under Section 31.064; and
               (3)  the sound-producing device prescribed by the
  commandant of the Coast Guard for vessels and required under
  Section 31.065.
         SECTION 3.  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, 2017.