H.B. No. 4337 amends the Transportation Code to enhance the regulation of pilots operating in the ports of Harris County and Chambers County, specifically concerning vessels using the Houston Ship Channel. The bill expands the definition of "Harris County port" to include not only Harris County but also Chambers County, along with the waterways leading from the Gulf of Mexico and any intermediate stops, anchorages, or landing places. Additionally, it clarifies that the board has exclusive jurisdiction over pilot services in these areas, including any intermediate stops and anchorages.

The bill also revises the expiration and renewal process for deputy branch pilot certificates. It changes the expiration period from three to four years and allows for renewal if the deputy branch pilot is reappointed by a branch pilot, as specified in Section 66.038. The previous restriction that prevented the issuance of a new certificate before the fifth anniversary of the prior certificate has been removed. This legislation is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Transportation Code 66.002, Transportation Code 66.012, Transportation Code 66.040, Transportation Code 66.042 (Transportation Code 66)
House Committee Report: Transportation Code 66.002, Transportation Code 66.015, Transportation Code 66.040, Transportation Code 66.042 (Transportation Code 66)