The bill amends the Parks and Wildlife Code by introducing new regulations for aquatic vegetation management, specifically under Subchapter G, Chapter 11. It establishes that individuals must adhere to certain guidelines when controlling aquatic vegetation in public bodies of water, including compliance with integrated pest management principles and state and local aquatic vegetation management plans. Additionally, the bill outlines civil penalties for violations, which can range from $100 to $10,000 per violation, and allows the Parks and Wildlife Department to take legal action against violators, including seeking injunctive relief and recovering investigation costs and attorney's fees.

Furthermore, the bill creates a criminal offense for violations of the new regulations, classifying such offenses as Class C misdemeanors under the Parks and Wildlife Code. It clarifies that civil and criminal actions can proceed concurrently without one barring the other. The provisions of this bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to conduct occurring after that date, ensuring that any actions taken before the effective date will be governed by the previous law.

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