The bill, H.B. No. 4588, aims to regulate aquatic vegetation management by the Parks and Wildlife Department in Texas. It introduces new sections to the Parks and Wildlife Code, specifically Sections 11.087 through 11.090. These sections establish that individuals must adhere to accepted principles of integrated pest management and comply with state and local aquatic vegetation management plans when controlling aquatic vegetation in public bodies of water. Violations of these regulations can result in civil penalties ranging from $100 to $10,000 per violation, and the department has the authority to seek injunctive relief and recover investigation costs and attorney's fees.

Additionally, 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 apply only to conduct occurring on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025, while previous conduct will be governed by the law in effect at that time.

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