Honorable Joe Straus, Speaker of the House, House of Representatives
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB550 by Guillen (Relating to sound-producing devices on vessels.), As Passed 2nd House
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend a portion of the Parks and Wildlife Code to require all vessels to have a whistle or other sound producing device prescribed by the Coast Guard. The bill exempts this provision from the penalties imposed upon those who fail to comply with other safety equipment requirements.
The bill would also amend the Parks and Wildlife Code relating to the operation of a motorboat under 26 feet long with a manufacturer-installed engine cutoff switch. The bill would require those operating such boats to ensure that the switch is operational and that the attachment or wireless transmitter that engages the cutoff switch is attached or properly functioning.
The Parks and Wildlife Department indicates that duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing resources.
The bill would take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds majority vote of the members in both houses; otherwise it would take effect on September 1, 2017.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.