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AN ACT
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relating to the use of emergency engine cutoff switches on |
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motorboats; creating a criminal offense. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 31, Parks and Wildlife |
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Code, is amended by adding Section 31.1071 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 31.1071. OPERATION OF MOTORBOAT WITH EMERGENCY ENGINE |
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CUTOFF SWITCH. (a) In this section, "engine cutoff switch" means |
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an emergency switch installed on a motorboat that: |
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(1) is designed to shut off the engine if: |
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(A) the motorboat operator using a lanyard |
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attachment activates the switch by falling overboard or otherwise |
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moving beyond the length of the lanyard; or |
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(B) the motorboat operator or a passenger using a |
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wireless attachment activates the switch by falling overboard and |
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submerging a man-overboard transmitter; and |
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(2) attaches: |
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(A) physically to the motorboat operator through |
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the use of a lanyard worn by the operator; or |
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(B) wirelessly through the use of a |
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water-activated man-overboard transmitter worn by the motorboat |
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operator or any similarly equipped passenger on the motorboat. |
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(b) A motorboat operator may not operate a motorboat less |
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than 26 feet in length and equipped by the manufacturer with an |
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engine cutoff switch while the motorboat is under way and moving at |
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greater than headway speed without first verifying that the switch |
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is operational and fully functional and properly attaching the |
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lanyard or wireless attachment, as appropriate for the specific |
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motorboat, to the operator's body or to the clothing or personal |
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flotation device being worn by the operator. |
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SECTION 2. Section 31.127, Parks and Wildlife Code, is |
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amended by adding Subsection |
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(g) to read as follows: |
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(g) A person who operates a motorboat in violation of |
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Section 31.1071 commits an offense punishable by a fine of not more |
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than $200. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019. |
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______________________________ |
______________________________ |
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President of the Senate |
Speaker of the House |
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I certify that H.B. No. 337 was passed by the House on March |
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26, 2019, by the following vote: Yeas 115, Nays 31, 1 present, not |
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voting; and that the House concurred in Senate amendments to H.B. |
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No. 337 on May 22, 2019, by the following vote: Yeas 115, Nays 26, |
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2 present, not voting. |
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______________________________ |
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Chief Clerk of the House |
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I certify that H.B. No. 337 was passed by the Senate, with |
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amendments, on May 14, 2019, by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays |
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6. |
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______________________________ |
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Secretary of the Senate |
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APPROVED: __________________ |
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Date |
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__________________ |
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Governor |