The bill proposes amendments to the Parks and Wildlife Code and the Natural Resources Code to facilitate the removal of derelict vessels from waterways in Texas. It allows the Parks and Wildlife Department to transfer a portion of the revenue from vessel registration fees to support this initiative. Specifically, the department may transfer up to 10 percent of the collected fees to the state parks account and is required to transfer 5 percent to a newly established derelict vessels and structures account. This account will be funded by these transfers and any appropriated funds for the removal and disposal of derelict vessels.

Additionally, the bill establishes the derelict vessels and structures account as a separate account within the general revenue fund. The General Land Office will manage this account, which can also receive gifts, grants, or bequests to aid in the removal of derelict vessels. Funds in this account are designated solely for the removal and disposal of such vessels, and any unspent money at the end of a fiscal year will remain in the account for future use. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Parks and Wildlife Code 11.032 (Parks and Wildlife Code 11)