HB4445 —

Compared against the Texas statutes as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

This bill amends 4 section(s) of the Texas statutes: Section 5007.209(b), Section 66.002, Transportation Code, Section 66.017, Transportation Code, Section 66.0171, Transportation Code.

• Section 5007.209(b)

  the duties of the port commission as the board of pilot commissioners for Harris County ports under Chapter 66, Transportation Code; (5) (6) → (5)

  amended

• Section 66.002, Transportation Code

  (6-a) "Two-way route" means a directional route within defined limits inside which two-way traffic is established, and which is intended to improve safety in waters where navigation is difficult. (6-b) "Two-way traffic" means that traffic flow is permitted in opposing directions, but a vessel may not meet, cross, nor overtake any other vessel in such a manner that it would be abreast of more than one other vessel within the defined limits of a waterway.

  amended

• Section 66.017, Transportation Code

  safe and , including minimizing the interference of two-way routes

  amended

• Section 66.0171, Transportation Code

  Sec. 66.0171. EFFICIENT PILOT SERVICE; MAXIMUM VESSEL LENGTH. (a) Except as provided by subsection (b), in order to ensure safe and efficient pilot services, the maximum overall length of a vessel, including the bulbous bow, that may be piloted within the board's jurisdiction is 1,100 ft. (b) The board may issue rules authorizing the piloting of vessels with a maximum overall length that exceeds the length provided for in subsection (a) if the board determines, upon recommendation from an association representing no less than fifty percent of the pilots authorized to operate under the board's jurisdiction, that two-way routes may safely and efficiently be maintained and that two-way traffic safely and efficiently be conducted. (c) Any rules adopted under subsection (b) must establish the maximum overall vessel length that may be piloted in a manner that maintains safe and efficient two-way routes and safe and efficient two-way traffic as recommended by an association representing no less than fifty percent of the pilots authorized to operate under the board's jurisdiction. (d) Prior to issuing any rules under subsection (b), the board must conduct at least two public hearings

  added