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HB 3724

AN ACT relating to the placement of a cultivated oyster in a natural oyster

House Bill • Villalobos
Filed

Filed

Bill introduced by legislator

Committee

Hearing

Passed Cmte

Calendar

Passed

Sent

Enrolled

Governor

Signed

89th Regular Session

Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended

Awaiting Committee Assignment

Bill filed, pending referral to House committee

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Committee

Not yet assigned

Fiscal Note

Not available

What This Bill Does

Allows oyster farmers to place cultivated oysters in natural oyster beds, private oyster beds, or coastal waters, but only with prior approval from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The department will develop and implement best management practices to regulate and authorize these oyster placements, ensuring proper oversight of oyster cultivation activities. The new regulations take effect on September 1, 2025, providing a clear framework for oyster farmers to expand their operations while maintaining environmental standards.

Subject Areas

OYSTERS Parks & Wildlife--Hunting & Fishing Parks & Wildlife--General Coastal Affairs & Beaches PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT

Bill Text

relating to the placement of a cultivated oyster in a natural oyster
bed, a private oyster bed, or coastal waters.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Chapter 75, Parks and Wildlife Code, is amended
by adding Section 75.01045 to read as follows:
Sec. 75.01045.  PLACEMENT OF CULTIVATED OYSTERS IN CERTAIN
LOCATIONS WITH DEPARTMENT APPROVAL.  (a)  A person may place a
cultivated oyster in a natural oyster bed, a private oyster bed, or
coastal waters if the department authorizes the placement in
(b)  The department shall adopt best management practices
for authorizing the placement of cultivated oysters under this
SECTION 2.  Section 75.0106(b), Parks and Wildlife Code, is
(b)  No person may place a cultivated oyster in a natural
oyster bed, a [or] private oyster bed, or coastal waters, except as
authorized by Section 75.01045.
SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.

Bill History

filed

Bill filed: AN ACT relating to the placement of a cultivated oyster in a natural oyster

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