Sec. 66.0073. RULES REQUIRING WATER TO BE DRAINED.  (a)  In this section:
(1)  "Public water" has the meaning assigned by Section 66.015.
(2)  "Salt water" has the meaning assigned by Section 66.001.
(3)  "Vessel" has the meaning assigned by Section 31.003.
(b)  The commission may adopt rules requiring a person leaving or approaching public water to drain from a vessel or portable container on board the vessel any water that has been collected from or has come in contact with public water.  This subsection does not apply to salt water.
(c)  When promulgating rules described by Subsection (b), the commission shall consider the effects on boaters, anglers, and local interests while maintaining the ability to prevent the spread of harmful or potentially harmful exotic fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants.
(d)  If the commission adopts rules described by Subsection (b), an authorized employee of the department may inspect a vessel leaving or approaching public water, including any portable containers on board the vessel, for the presence of water.  This subsection does not apply to a vessel that is on public water.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 908 (H.B. 1241), Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 2013.