By: Vasut, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Creighton) H.B. No. 609

(In the Senate - Received from the House April 28, 2025; April 29, 2025, read first time and referred to Committee on Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs; May 19, 2025, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 8, Nays 0; May 19, 2025, sent to printer.) Click here to see the committee vote

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the cleaning of a structure used to grow oysters for cultivated oyster mariculture.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 26, Water Code, is amended by adding Section 26.0406 to read as follows:

Sec. 26.0406. GENERAL PERMITS FOR AQUACULTURE; EXEMPTION FOR CLEANING STRUCTURES USED FOR GROWING OYSTERS. (a) A general permit for aquaculture issued by the commission must allow the holder of a cultivated oyster mariculture permit under Chapter 75, Parks and Wildlife Code, to discharge into waters of this state waste related to the cleaning of a structure used to grow oysters for cultivated oyster mariculture in accordance with Subsection (b).

(b) A cultivated oyster mariculture permit holder cleaning a structure as described by Subsection (a):

(1) may clean the structure only:

(A) at the location where the permit holder is authorized to operate; and

(B) with water from that location;

(2) may not alter the water in any way before using the water for cleaning, including by adding a soap, chemical, or similar substance; and

(3) must comply with all other permit conditions established by the commission.

(c) In establishing a permit condition described by Subsection (b)(3), the commission shall consult with the Parks and Wildlife Department.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.

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