S.B. No. 2112 amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to increase penalties for certain criminal offenses related to cultivated oyster mariculture. The bill introduces new legal language that specifies the conditions under which a person commits an offense, including violations of specific sections and rules adopted under the chapter. It establishes that an offense under these provisions can be classified as either a Class B or Class A misdemeanor, depending on prior convictions within a specified timeframe. Additionally, it creates a new classification for offenses related to rule violations, categorizing them as Class C misdemeanors, with the potential to escalate to Class B misdemeanors for repeat offenders.

The changes in the law will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. Offenses occurring before this date will be governed by the previous law, ensuring that individuals are not penalized under the new provisions retroactively. This legislative update aims to enhance the enforcement of regulations surrounding oyster mariculture and deter repeat violations through increased penalties.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Parks and Wildlife Code 75.0107 (Parks and Wildlife Code 75)
Senate Committee Report: Parks and Wildlife Code 75.0107 (Parks and Wildlife Code 75)
Engrossed: Parks and Wildlife Code 75.0107 (Parks and Wildlife Code 75)
House Committee Report: Parks and Wildlife Code 75.0107 (Parks and Wildlife Code 75)
Enrolled: Parks and Wildlife Code 75.0107 (Parks and Wildlife Code 75)