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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to requirements for the closure of certain areas to the |
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taking of oysters. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 76.115, Parks and Wildlife Code, is |
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amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (g) to |
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read as follows: |
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(a) Subject to Subsections (c) and (g), the [The] commission |
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may close an area to the taking of oysters when the commission finds |
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that the area is being overworked or damaged or the area is to be |
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reseeded or restocked. |
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(g) If the commission closes an area of public oyster beds |
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under this section, the commission shall make available for private |
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lease an area for the taking of oysters. The area made available |
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under this subsection must be at least equivalent in size to the |
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closed area. |
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(h) The Texas General Land Office shall authorize leases |
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under Subsection (g) for a period of at least 10 years. |
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SECTION 2. Section 76.115, Parks and Wildlife Code, as |
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amended by this Act, applies only to the closure of an area to the |
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taking of oysters by the Parks and Wildlife Commission or the |
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executive director of the Parks and Wildlife Department on or after |
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the effective date of this Act. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives |
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a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as |
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provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this |
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Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this |
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Act takes effect September 1, 2023. |