Sec. 77.034. COMMERCIAL GULF SHRIMP UNLOADING LICENSE. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), no person may unload or allow to be unloaded at a port or point in this state shrimp or other aquatic products caught or taken from the outside water or from salt water outside the state without having been previously unloaded in some other state or foreign country, unless the person has obtained:

(1) a commercial gulf shrimp unloading license; and

(2) a federal commercial vessel permit for gulf shrimp from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

(b) A person holding a valid resident or nonresident commercial gulf shrimp boat license is exempt from the requirement to hold a commercial gulf shrimp unloading license.

(c) A vessel operating under a commercial gulf shrimp unloading license must make a nonstop progression through outside waters to a place of unloading. The commission shall adopt rules for the requirements of trawl gear storage for a vessel who holds a commercial gulf shrimp unloading license while that vessel is making a nonstop progression through outside waters to a place of unloading.

(d) The fee for a commercial gulf shrimp unloading license is $1485, or an amount set by the commission, whichever amount is more. Revenue from the fee shall be deposited to the credit of the game, fish, and water safety account established under Section 11.032.

Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1151 (H.B. 1260), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2017.

Amended by:

Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1173 (H.B. 3317), Sec. 17(a), eff. June 14, 2019.