BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 630
89R3463 BEE-F	By: Vasut (Zaffirini)
	Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
	5/8/2025
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Current state law requires outboard motors to be titled in order to establish ownership and facilitate legal transactions. However, it can be difficult to track down proper paperwork to obtain a title for an antique outboard motor given the passage of time between transfers of ownership. In turn, this creates issues for Texans wanting to collect and legally use antique outboard motors on the state's waterways.

H.B. 630 would address this issue by amending the Parks and Wildlife Code to exempt an outboard motor that is at least 40 years of age with a capacity of not more than 25 horsepower from certificate of title requirements for outboard motors.

H.B. 630 would help support hobbyists and preserve Texas history and by making it easier to enjoy and collect vintage model boats.

H.B. 630 amends current law relating to certificates of title for certain outboard motors.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 31.055, Parks and Wildlife Code, to provide that Subchapter B-1 (Certificates of Title for Vessels and Outboard Motors) does not apply to certain vessels and motors, including an outboard motor that is at least 40 years of age and has a capacity of not more than 25 horsepower, and to make nonsubstantive changes.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2025.