By: Middleton  S.B. No. 1717          (In the Senate - Filed February 27, 2025; March 13, 2025,   read first time and referred to Committee on State Affairs;   April 14, 2025, reported adversely, with favorable Committee   Substitute by the following vote:  Yeas 8, Nays 0; April 14, 2025,   sent to printer.)Click here to see the committee vote     COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR S.B. No. 1717 By:  Middleton     A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT     relating to the terminology used in statute, resolutions, rules,   and other state publications to refer to the partially landlocked   body of water on the southeastern periphery of the North American   continent.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:   ARTICLE 1. GULF OF AMERICA LANGUAGE INITIATIVE          SECTION 1.01.  Subtitle Z, Title 3, Government Code, is   amended by adding Chapter 394 to read as follows:   CHAPTER 394. GULF OF AMERICA LANGUAGE INITIATIVE          Sec. 394.001.  FINDINGS AND INTENT. The legislature finds   that language used in reference to the partially landlocked body of   water on the southeastern periphery of the North American   continent, commonly referred to as the "Gulf of Mexico," is   inaccurate and outdated.  It is the intent of the legislature to   establish preferred terminology for new and revised laws by   requiring the use of language that accurately describes this   geographic feature.          Sec. 394.002.  USE OF "GULF OF AMERICA" REQUIRED. The   legislature and the Texas Legislative Council are directed to avoid   using the term "Gulf of Mexico" in any new statute or resolution and   to change that term to "Gulf of America" in any existing statute or   resolution as sections that use that term are otherwise amended by   law.          SECTION 1.02.  Chapter 325, Government Code, is amended by   adding Section 325.0122 to read as follows:          Sec. 325.0122.  REVIEW OF AGENCIES FOR USE OF "GULF OF   AMERICA".  As part of its review of a state agency, the commission   shall consider and make recommendations regarding the statutory and   regulatory revisions necessary to use the phrase "Gulf of America"   instead of "Gulf of Mexico."          SECTION 1.03.  Chapter 2051, Government Code, is amended by   adding Subchapter G to read as follows:   SUBCHAPTER G.  USE OF CERTAIN TERMINOLOGY REQUIRED          Sec. 2051.251.  DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "state   agency" has the meaning assigned by Section 2052.201.          Sec. 2051.252.  USE OF "GULF OF AMERICA" REQUIRED.  The chief   administrative officer of each state agency shall ensure that the   state agency uses the term "Gulf of America" instead of "Gulf of   Mexico" in:                (1)  proposing, adopting, or amending the state   agency's rules or other statements of policy; or                (2)  issuing reference materials or other   publications, including publications issued in an electronic   format.    ARTICLE 2. AGRICULTURE CODE PROVISIONS          SECTION 2.01.  Section 47.051(2), Agriculture Code, is   amended to read as follows:                (2)  "Coastal waters" means all the salt water of the   state, including the portion of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]   that is within the jurisdiction of the state.   ARTICLE 3. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CODE PROVISIONS          SECTION 3.01.  Section 251.742(b), Alcoholic Beverage Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (b)  This section applies only to a municipality that:                (1)  has a population of 15,000 or more; and                (2)  is located in two counties one of which:                      (A)  has a population of 340,000 or more;                      (B)  contains a municipality in which at least 85   percent of the county's population resides; and                      (C)  borders the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico].   ARTICLE 4. CIVIL PRACTICE AND REMEDIES CODE PROVISIONS          SECTION 4.01.  Section 15.0181(a)(5), Civil Practice and   Remedies Code, is amended to read as follows:                (5)  "Inland waters" means the navigable waters   shoreward of the navigational demarcation lines dividing the high   seas from harbors, rivers, the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, and   other inland waters of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama,   Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, or Indiana or of   Florida along the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] shoreline of   Florida from the Florida-Alabama border down to and including the   shoreline of Key West, Florida.  The term does not include the Great   Lakes.          SECTION 4.02.  Section 18.033(a), Civil Practice and   Remedies Code, is amended to read as follows:          (a)  In a dispute between the State of Texas and an upland   owner of property fronting on the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]   and the arms of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] within the   boundaries of the State of Texas, the maps, surveys, and property   descriptions filed in the General Land Office in connection with   any conveyance by the state or any predecessor government by   patent, deed, lease, or other authorized forms of grant shall be   presumed to accurately depict the boundary between adjacent upland   owners and the state-owned submerged lands.          SECTION 4.03.  Section 21.021, Civil Practice and Remedies   Code, is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 21.021.  APPLICATION. This subchapter applies to a   county that:                (1)  is part of two or more judicial districts, that has   two or more district courts with regular terms, and that is part of   a district in which a county borders on the international boundary   of the United States and the Republic of Mexico;                (2)  borders on the international boundary of the   United States and the Republic of Mexico and that is in a judicial   district composed of four counties;                (3)  borders on the international boundary of the   United States and the Republic of Mexico and that has three or more   district courts or judicial districts wholly within the county; or                (4)  borders on the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] and   that has four or more district courts or judicial districts of which   two or more courts or districts are wholly within the county.          SECTION 4.04.  Section 78.052, Civil Practice and Remedies   Code, is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 78.052.  APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER: MARINE FIRE   EMERGENCY. This subchapter applies only to damages for personal   injury, death, or property damage arising from an error or omission   of:                (1)  a nonprofit fire department providing services to   respond to marine fire emergencies under contract to a governmental   unit, if the error or omission occurs in responding to a marine fire   emergency:                      (A)  on the navigable waters of this state;                      (B)  in any place into which a vessel enters or   from which a vessel departs the waterway leading to that place from   the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] or the Gulf Intracoastal   Waterway;                      (C)  on property owned or under the control of the   governmental unit; or                      (D)  at the request of the governmental unit in   the interest of public safety; or                (2)  a fire fighter providing services described by   Subdivision (1).   ARTICLE 5. VERNON'S CIVIL STATUTES PROVISIONS          SECTION 5.01.  Section 1, Chapter 311 (H.B. 558), Acts of the   54th Legislature, Regular Session, 1955 (Article 5421b-1, Vernon's   Texas Civil Statutes), is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 1.  All or any part of the Public Lands belonging to the   State situated in and under the bed of Caddo Lake and the   tributaries thereto and all or any part of such lands adjacent   thereto shall be subject to lease for mineral development by the   Commissioner of the General Land Office to any person, firm or   corporation in accordance with the provisions of existing or future   laws pertaining to the leasing and development of all islands,   salt-water lakes, bays, inlets, marshes and reefs, owned by the   State within tidewater limits, and that portion of the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico] within the jurisdiction of Texas, and all   unsold public free school land, both surveyed and unsurveyed, in so   far as same are not in conflict herewith.          SECTION 5.02.  Section 1, Chapter 10 (H.B. 134), Acts of the   47th Legislature, Regular Session, 1941 (Article 5421c-4, Vernon's   Texas Civil Statutes), is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 1.  The School Land Board, created by House Bill No. 9   of the Forty-sixth Legislature (being Title: Public Lands, Chapter   3, of the General Laws of the Forty-sixth Legislature, 1939,) is   hereby authorized to grant and issue easements or surface leases to   the United States of America in accordance with the conditions   hereinafter set out, on any island, salt water lake, bay, inlet, or   marsh within tidewater limits, and that portion of the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico] within the jurisdiction of the State of   Texas, to be used exclusively for any purpose essential to the   National Defense.          SECTION 5.03.  Section 1, Chapter 287 (S.B. 454), Acts of the   47th Legislature, Regular Session, 1941 (Article 5366a, Vernon's   Texas Civil Statutes), is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 1.  In each case in which an oil and gas mineral lease   has heretofore been granted or may hereafter be granted by the State   of Texas on an area covered by the coastal waters of the State or   within the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] and in which the War   Department of the United State refuses to grant a permit to the   lessee or owner of such lease to drill a well thereon for oil, gas or   other minerals (the area included in such lease being within the   navigable waters of the United States) and in the event the primary   term of such lease should expire during the period of time in which   the War Department of the United States may continue to refuse to   issue such permit, then and in such event the primary term of such   lease is hereby extended for successive periods of one (1) year from   and after the end of the original primary term of such lease while   and so long as the War Department may continue such refusal to issue   to the lessee or to the owner of such lease a permit to drill for   oil, gas or other minerals, on the area covered thereby; provided,   that in order to make such extensions effectual the lessee or the   owner of such lease shall, during each of the annual periods during   which the primary term of the lease is so extended, apply to and   seek to obtain from the War Department a permit to drill a well for   oil, gas or other minerals on the area covered by such lease and be   unsuccessful in its attempts to obtain a permit, or, if successful   in obtaining a permit, commence operations for drilling a well upon   the leased premises within sixty (60) days after obtaining such   permit; and provided further that the lessee or the owner of such   lease continues to pay the annual renewal rentals at the rate   provided for in such lease for the period of time involved in such   extensions.  Should such lease be so extended and should the War   Department at any time while such lease is still in force and effect   issue a permit to the lessee or to the owner of such lease to drill a   well thereon for oil, gas or other minerals, such lease shall   continue in force and effect if the lessee commences drilling   operations upon the leased premises within sixty (60) days after   obtaining such permit, and so long as the lessee or the owner of   such lease shall continue to conduct drilling or mining operations   thereon, or if oil, gas or other mineral be discovered thereon by   the lessee or the owner of such lease, so long as oil, gas or other   mineral is produced from such leased premises.  Should the   production of oil, gas or other mineral on said leased premises   after once secured, cease from any cause, such lease shall not   terminate if the lessee or owner of such lease commences additional   drilling, reworking or mining operations within thirty (30) days   thereafter or if it be within the original primary term of such   lease, commences or resumes the payment or tender of rental on or   before the rental paying date, if any, next ensuing; but if there be   no rental paying date next ensuing, the lease shall in no event   terminate prior to the expiration of the primary term.          SECTION 5.04.  Section 1, Chapter 314 (S.B. 326), Acts of the   56th Legislature, Regular Session, 1959 (Article 5337-2, Vernon's   Texas Civil Statutes), is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 1.  The Commissioner of the General Land Office is   hereby authorized and empowered, acting for and on behalf of the   State of Texas, to execute any and all grants of easements in, on,   and across all unsold Public Free School Lands, and in, on, and   across all islands, salt water lakes, bays, inlets, marshes, and   reefs owned by the state within the tidewater limits, and in, on,   and across that portion of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]   within the jurisdiction of Texas, to Nueces County Water Control   and Improvement District Number 4 for right-of-ways for pipe lines   and for the installation of all works, facilities, and appliances,   in any and all manners incident to, helpful or necessary for   securing, storing, processing, treating, transporting, and selling   an adequate supply of fresh water; provided, however, said Nueces   County Water Control and Improvement District Number 4 shall pay   the sum of Ten Dollars ($10.00) as consideration for the granting of   each easement.   ARTICLE 6. EDUCATION CODE PROVISIONS          SECTION 6.01.  Section 155.001(2), Education Code, is   amended to read as follows:                (2)  "Commission" means the regional planning   commission, council of governments, or similar regional planning   agency created under Chapter 391, Local Government Code, whose   membership includes the most populous county that borders on the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] or on a bay or inlet of the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico].          SECTION 6.02.  Section 155.003(c), Education Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (c)  The commission and advisory committee may cooperate,   coordinate, and share information with a governmental entity or   postsecondary educational institution in another state that   borders the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico].   ARTICLE 7. FAMILY CODE PROVISIONS          SECTION 7.01.  Section 107.106(a), Family Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (a)  This section applies only to a county:                (1)  with a population of less than 500,000;                (2)  that is contiguous to the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico] or a bay or inlet opening into the gulf and that borders the   United Mexican States; or                (3)  that borders a county described by Subdivision   (2).   ARTICLE 8. GOVERNMENT CODE PROVISIONS          SECTION 8.01.  Section 490I.0110(b), Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (b)  The broadband development office board of advisors is   composed of 10 members, appointed as follows:                (1)  two members appointed by the governor, including:                      (A)  one member to represent the Texas Economic   Development and Tourism Office; and                      (B)  one member of the public with experience in   telecommunications or broadband service;                (2)  three members appointed by the lieutenant   governor, including:                      (A)  one member who resides in an urban area;                      (B)  one member to represent the public primary   and secondary education community; and                      (C)  one member who resides in a county that:                            (i)  is adjacent to an international border;                            (ii)  is located not more than 150 miles from   the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]; and                            (iii)  has a population of more than 60,000;                (3)  three members appointed by the speaker of the   house of representatives, including:                      (A)  one member who resides in a rural area;                      (B)  one member to represent the health and   telemedicine industry; and                      (C)  one member to represent the public higher   education community;                (4)  the comptroller or the comptroller's designee; and                (5)  one nonvoting member appointed by the broadband   development office to represent the office.          SECTION 8.02.  Section 1431.015(b), Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (b)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter or a   rating requirement prescribed by Chapter 1371, an issuer located   within 70 miles of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] or of a bay   or inlet of the gulf may authorize the issuance of an anticipation   note or other obligation in the event of an emergency.  An   anticipation note or other obligation issued under this section is   an obligation under Chapter 1371, but is not required to be rated as   required by that chapter.          SECTION 8.03.  Section 1475.051, Government Code, is amended   to read as follows:          Sec. 1475.051.  APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER. This   subchapter applies only to a county adjacent to the Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico].          SECTION 8.04.  Section 1478.001, Government Code, is amended   to read as follows:          Sec. 1478.001.  APPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER. This chapter   applies only to a county that:                (1)  is located on the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico];   and                (2)  has within its boundaries an island susceptible to   development for recreational purposes for the use and benefit of   the residents of the county.          SECTION 8.05.  Section 1502.057(c), Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (c)  The board of trustees having management and control of a   utility system located in a county contiguous to the Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico] and bordering the United Mexican States may impose   and collect the charges authorized under this section for services   provided by the utility system.          SECTION 8.06.  Section 1502.070(a), Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  Management and control of a utility system may be vested   in:                (1)  the municipality's governing body; or                (2)  a board of trustees named in the proceedings   adopted by the municipality and consisting of not more than:                      (A)  five members, one of whom must be the mayor of   the municipality;                      (B)  seven members, one of whom must be the mayor   of the municipality, if the municipality is located in a county   that:                            (i)  contains a municipality with a   population of at least 500,000; and                            (ii)  is located on an international border;   or                      (C)  seven members, one of whom must be the mayor   of the municipality, if the municipality is located in a county:                            (i)  with a population of at least 375,000;                            (ii)  that is located on an international   border; and                            (iii)  that borders the Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico].          SECTION 8.07.  The heading to Subchapter A, Chapter 1505,   Government Code, is amended to read as follows:   SUBCHAPTER A.  BONDS FOR HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS IN MUNICIPALITIES   BORDERING GULF OF AMERICA [GULF OF MEXICO]          SECTION 8.08.  Section 1505.001, Government Code, is amended   to read as follows:          Sec. 1505.001.  APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER. This   subchapter applies only to a municipality that borders the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico].          SECTION 8.09.  Section 1505.053, Government Code, is amended   to read as follows:          Sec. 1505.053.  AUTHORITY FOR NAVIGATIONAL FACILITIES. A   municipality may:                (1)  own, purchase, construct, operate, improve,   enlarge, repair, or maintain a bridge over or across any stream,   inlet, or arm of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] or entrance   canal to the deepwater port of the municipality that connects any of   the public streets, highways, or thoroughfares of the municipality;                (2)  own, purchase, construct, repair, maintain,   operate, or lease:                      (A)  a wharf, pier, pavilion, or boathouse; or                      (B)  a dam, dyke, or spillway with a road or bridge   on or over it to create a freshwater supply basin for domestic,   irrigation, and other purposes in the navigation district in which   the municipality is located or in a county adjacent to the   freshwater basin;                (3)  acquire, reclaim, reconstruct, or fill in any   submerged land along the waterfront of the municipality and   construct, operate, or maintain a water main, gas main, storm   sewer, sanitary sewer, sidewalk, street, or similar improvement in   connection with that land;                (4)  construct a seawall, breakwater, or other shore   protection to protect the waterfront of the municipality; and                (5)  construct, reconstruct, maintain, operate, or   dredge a channel in connection with a deepwater port in aid of   navigation within the municipality.          SECTION 8.10.  Section 1505.102(1), Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:                (1)  "Bridge or tunnel" means a bridge over, or a tube,   underpass, or tunnel under, any stream, inlet, or arm of the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico] or entrance channel to the deepwater port   of a municipality that connects any public streets or thoroughfares   of, in, or to the municipality.          SECTION 8.11.  Section 1505.201, Government Code, is amended   to read as follows:          Sec. 1505.201.  APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER. This   subchapter applies only to a municipality that:                (1)  has a population of less than 12,000; and                (2)  is located on the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]   or a channel, canal, bay, or inlet connected with that gulf.          SECTION 8.12.  Section 1505.251, Government Code, is amended   to read as follows:          Sec. 1505.251.  APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER.  This   subchapter applies only to a general-law municipality that:                (1)  has a population of 5,000 or less; and                (2)  is located on the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]   or a channel, canal, bay, or inlet connected with that gulf.          SECTION 8.13.  Section 1506.101, Government Code, is amended   to read as follows:          Sec. 1506.101.  APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER. This   subchapter applies only to a municipality that:                (1)  is located on the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]   or on a channel, canal, bay, or inlet connected to the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico]; and                (2)  has a population of:                      (A)  more than 53,000 and less than 84,000; or                      (B)  more than 115,000 and less than 160,000.          SECTION 8.14.  Section 2204.301, Government Code, is amended   to read as follows:          Sec. 2204.301.  GRANT TO UNITED STATES. The governor may   grant to the United States in accordance with this subchapter those   portions of the beds and banks of the Pecos and Devils rivers in Val   Verde County and of the Rio Grande in Brewster, Cameron, Hidalgo,   Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Kinney, Maverick, Presidio, Starr, Terrell,   Val Verde, Webb, and Zapata counties:                (1)  for which title is vested in this state; and                (2)  that may be necessary or expedient in the   construction and use of the storage and flood control dams and their   resultant reservoirs, diversion works, and appurtenances provided   for in the Treaty Relating to the Utilization of the Waters of the   Colorado and Tijuana Rivers, and of the Rio Grande (Rio Bravo) from   Fort Quitman, Texas, to the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico],   concluded by the United States and the United Mexican States on   February 3, 1944.   ARTICLE 9. HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE PROVISIONS          SECTION 9.01.  Section 341.03571(b), Health and Safety Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (b)  This section applies only to a county, or a municipality   in a county, that:                (1)  borders the United Mexican States or is adjacent   to a county that borders the United Mexican States;                (2)  has a population of at least 400,000 or has a   population of at least 20,000 and is adjacent to a county that has a   population of at least 400,000; and                (3)  is within 200 miles of the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico].          SECTION 9.02.  Section 361.121(o), Health and Safety Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (o)  The commission may not issue a permit under this section   for a land application unit that is located both:                (1)  in a county that borders the Gulf of America [Gulf   of Mexico]; and                (2)  500 feet or less from any water well or surface   water.          SECTION 9.03.  Section 361.122, Health and Safety Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 361.122.  DENIAL OF CERTAIN LANDFILL PERMITS. The   commission may not issue a permit for a Type IV landfill if:                (1)  the proposed site is located within 100 feet of a   canal that is used as a public drinking water source or for   irrigation of crops used for human or animal consumption;                (2)  the proposed site is located in a county with a   population of more than 225,000 that is located adjacent to the Gulf   of America [Gulf of Mexico]; and                (3)  prior to final consideration of the application by   the commission, the commissioners of the county in which the   facility is located have adopted a resolution recommending denial   of the application.          SECTION 9.04.  Sections 365.033(b) and (c), Health and   Safety Code, are amended to read as follows:          (b)  In this section, "beach" means an area in which the   public has acquired a right of use or an easement and that borders   on the seaward shore of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] or   extends from the line of mean low tide to the line of vegetation   bordering on the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico].          (c)  This section applies only to a county park located in a   county that has the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] as one   boundary, but does not apply to a beach located in that park.          SECTION 9.05.  Section 366.012(a), Health and Safety Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  To assure the effective and efficient administration of   this chapter, the commission shall:                (1)  adopt rules governing the installation of on-site   sewage disposal systems, including rules concerning the:                      (A)  review and approval of on-site sewage   disposal systems; and                      (B)  temporary waiver of a permit for an emergency   repair; and                (2)  adopt rules under this chapter that:                      (A)  encourage the use of economically feasible   alternative techniques and technologies for on-site sewage   disposal systems that can be used in soils not suitable for   conventional on-site sewage disposal;                      (B)  address the separation of graywater, as   defined by Section 341.039, in a residence served by an on-site   sewage disposal system;                      (C)  allow for an adjustment in the size required   of an on-site sewage disposal system if the system is used in   conjunction with a graywater system that complies with the rules   adopted under Section 341.039;                      (D)  require on-site sewage disposal systems,   including risers and covers, installed after September 1, 2012, to   be designed to prevent access to the system by anyone other than:                            (i)  the owner of the system; or                            (ii)  a person described by Section   366.071(a) or (b);                      (E)  for a county with a population of at least   350,000 and not more than 370,000 that is adjacent to the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico] and adjacent to a county with a population   of at least 3.3 million, allow for the installation of aerobic drip   emitter systems on subdivided or platted properties less than   one-half acre in size serving single-family residences supplied by   a public drinking water system if site-specific planning materials   have been:                            (i)  submitted by a licensed engineer or   registered sanitarian; and                            (ii)  approved by the appropriate authorized   agent; and                      (F)  for a county with a population of more than   40,000 and less than 50,000 that borders the Red River along the   Oklahoma state line and has a major interstate road running through   it, allow for the installation of aerobic drip emitter systems on   subdivided or platted properties less than one-half acre in size,   serving single-family residences supplied by a public drinking   water system if site-specific planning materials have been:                            (i)  submitted by a licensed engineer or   registered sanitarian; and                            (ii)  approved by the appropriate authorized   agent.          SECTION 9.06.  Section 711.008(d), Health and Safety Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (d)  Subsection (a) does not apply to a cemetery established   and operating before September 1, 1995, in a county with a   population of more than 315,000 and less than 351,000 that borders   the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico].          SECTION 9.07.  Section 773.1141(a), Health and Safety Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  This section applies only to a trauma service area   regional advisory council serving a geographic area that includes:                (1)  at least one county located on the international   border of this state; and                (2)  at least one county adjacent to the Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico].          SECTION 9.08.  Section 775.021(a), Health and Safety Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  This section applies only to a district located in whole   or in part in a county that:                (1)  borders the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]; and                (2)  has a population of less than 1.5 million.   ARTICLE 10. LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE PROVISIONS          SECTION 10.01.  Section 42.021(c), Local Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (c)  Subsection (b) applies to a municipality that has:                (1)  a population of 2,000 or more; and                (2)  territory located:                      (A)  entirely on a barrier island in the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico]; and                      (B)  within 30 miles of an international border.          SECTION 10.02.  Section 42.0235(a), Local Government Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  Notwithstanding Section 42.021, and except as provided   by Subsection (d), the extraterritorial jurisdiction of a   municipality with a population of more than 175,000 located in a   county that contains an international border and borders the Gulf   of America [Gulf of Mexico] terminates two miles from the   extraterritorial jurisdiction of a neighboring municipality if   extension of the extraterritorial jurisdiction beyond that limit   would:                (1)  completely surround the corporate boundaries or   extraterritorial jurisdiction of the neighboring municipality; and                (2)  limit the growth of the neighboring municipality   by precluding the expansion of the neighboring municipality's   extraterritorial jurisdiction.          SECTION 10.03.  Section 43.017, Local Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 43.017.  PROHIBITION AGAINST ANNEXATION TO SURROUND   MUNICIPALITY IN CERTAIN COUNTIES. A municipality with a population   of more than 175,000 located in a county that contains an   international border and borders the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico] may not annex an area that would cause another municipality   to be entirely surrounded by the corporate limits or   extraterritorial jurisdiction of the annexing municipality.          SECTION 10.04.  Section 43.0751(n), Local Government Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (n)  This subsection applies only to a municipality any   portion of which is located in a county that has a population of not   less than 315,000 and not more than 351,000 and that borders the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] and is adjacent to a county with a   population of more than 3.3 million. A municipality may impose   within the boundaries of a district a municipal sales and use tax   authorized by Chapter 321, Tax Code, or a municipal hotel occupancy   tax authorized by Chapter 351, Tax Code, that is imposed in the   municipality if:                (1)  the municipality has annexed the district for   limited purposes under this section; or                (2)  following two public hearings on the matter, the   municipality and the district enter a written agreement providing   for the imposition of the tax or taxes.          SECTION 10.05.  Section 43.082, Local Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 43.082.  ANNEXATION BY CERTAIN MUNICIPALITIES OF LAND   OWNED BY NAVIGATION DISTRICT. A municipality with a population of   less than 30,000, that is in a county that borders the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico] and that is adjacent to a county with a   population of one million or more, and that seeks to annex land   owned by a navigation district operating under Section 59, Article   XVI, Texas Constitution, must have the consent of the district to   annex the land.          SECTION 10.06.  Section 43.902(a), Local Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  Land on an island bordering the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico] that is not accessible by a public road or common carrier   ferry facility may not be annexed by a municipality without the   consent of the owners of the land.          SECTION 10.07.  Section 85.004(e), Local Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (e)  The sheriff of a county that borders the Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico] may organize some of the reserve deputies to serve   as marine reserve deputies and lifeguards for beach and water   safety purposes and other related functions as the sheriff may   determine.  A reserve deputy performing functions under this   subsection is subject to the laws of this state that relate to   reserve deputies except that they may not carry firearms in the   performance of their duties.          SECTION 10.08.  Section 118.026(a), Local Government Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  The commissioners court of a county that borders the   United Mexican States and the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] may   adopt a records technology and infrastructure fee as part of the   county's annual budget.  The fee must be set and itemized in the   county's budget as part of the budget preparation process.          SECTION 10.09.  Section 152.032(d), Local Government Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (d)  The amount of the compensation and allowances of a   county auditor in a county subject to this subsection may be set in   an amount that exceeds the limit established by Subsection (a) if   the compensation and allowances are approved by the commissioners   court of the county. This subsection applies only to:                (1)  a county with a population of 120,000 or more,   excluding a county subject to Subsection (b);                (2)  a county with a population of more than 1,000 and   less than 23,000 that borders the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico];                (3)  a county with a population of more than 11,000 and   less than 11,350; and                (4)  a county that:                      (A)  borders a county with a population of more   than one million; and                      (B)  has a population of more than 44,500 and less   than 46,500.          SECTION 10.10.  Section 233.001(a), Local Government Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  If the commissioners court of a county that borders the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] and is adjacent to a county with a   population of more than 3.3 million finds that a bulkhead or other   method of shoreline protection, hereafter called "structure," in an   unincorporated area of the county is likely to endanger persons or   property, the commissioners may:                (1)  order the owner of the structure, the owner's   agent, or the owner or occupant of the property on which the   structure is located to repair, remove, or demolish the structure   or the part of the structure within a specified time; or                (2)  repair, remove, or demolish the structure or the   part of the structure at the expense of the county on behalf of the   owner of the structure or the owner of the property on which the   structure is located and assess the repair, removal, or demolition   expenses on the property on which the structure was located.          SECTION 10.11.  Sections 240.901(b) and (d), Local   Government Code, are amended to read as follows:          (b)  A county bordering on the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico] or on the tidewater limits of the gulf may determine the   boundaries of any flood-prone area of the county.  The suitability   of that determination is conclusively established when the   commissioners court of the county adopts a resolution finding that   the area is a flood-prone area.          (d)  In this section, "flood-prone area" means an area that   is subject to damage from rising water or flooding from the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico] or its tidal waters, including lakes,   bays, inlets, and lagoons.          SECTION 10.12.  Section 240.902(b), Local Government Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (b)  In this section, "public beach" means a beach located on   a bay or inlet of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] to which the   general public or a substantial part of the general public has free   access.          SECTION 10.13.  Section 240.909(a), Local Government Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  This section applies only to a county with a population   of 50,000 or less that borders the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]   and in which is located at least one state park and one national   wildlife refuge.          SECTION 10.14.  Section 240.910(a), Local Government Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  This section applies only to a county located on an   international border and adjacent to the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico].          SECTION 10.15.  Section 253.001(e), Local Government Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (e)  Subsection (b) does not apply to a conveyance of park   land that:                (1)  is owned by a home-rule municipality with a   population of less than 80,000 and that is located in a county   bordering the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico];                (2)  is one acre or less;                (3)  is part of a park that is 100 acres or less;                (4)  is sold or is conveyed as a sale to the owner of   adjoining property; and                (5)  is conveyed pursuant to a resolution or an   ordinance that:                      (A)  is adopted under this section;                      (B)  requires the sale to be with an owner of   adjoining property for fair market value as determined by an   independent appraisal obtained by the municipality; and                      (C)  has an effective date before December 31,   1995.          SECTION 10.16.  Section 254.001, Local Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 254.001.  APPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER. This chapter   applies only to a municipality located on a channel, canal, bay,   inlet, or lake connected to the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico].          SECTION 10.17.  Section 306.032(a), Local Government Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  This section applies only to a home-rule municipality   that has a population of less than 80,000 and borders on the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico].          SECTION 10.18.  Section 307.001, Local Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 307.001.  ELIGIBLE MUNICIPALITIES. A municipality that   borders on the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] and has a population   of 50,000 or more may use and occupy for park purposes gulf   tidelands and adjacent water as provided by this chapter.          SECTION 10.19.  Section 307.002(a), Local Government Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  The municipality may use and occupy for park purposes   under this chapter:                (1)  the tidelands between:                      (A)  the lines of ordinary high tide and ordinary   low tide of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]; and                      (B)  extensions into the gulf, not more than 1,000   feet apart, of property lines of property that is above and fronting   the tidelands and is owned or acquired by the municipality for park   purposes or in or to which the municipality has or may acquire   easements or other rights or privileges authorizing the   municipality to use or occupy the property for park purposes; and                (2)  the waters of the gulf adjacent to those   tidelands, and the gulf bed below those waters, for a distance not   to exceed 2,000 feet from the line of ordinary high tide.          SECTION 10.20.  Section 307.021(c), Local Government Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (c)  The pier may not:                (1)  extend into the gulf for a distance of more than   2,000 feet from the line of ordinary high tide;                (2)  extend into any part of a channel deepened or   improved for commercial navigation or between the shoreline and any   such channel; or                (3)  extend into any arm, inlet, bay, or body of water   other than the main body of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico].          SECTION 10.21.  Sections 307.042(b) and (c), Local   Government Code, are amended to read as follows:          (b)  As additional security for the bonds, notes, or   warrants, the municipality may mortgage and encumber all or a   designated part of:                (1)  the pier, structures, or improvements;                (2)  the furnishings and equipment; or                (3)  the interest, easement, or other rights in land   acquired or to be acquired and used in connection with the park   land, including the right of use and occupancy of the park land and   the title or rights to the tidelands, waters, or beds of the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico] acquired by the municipality.          (c)  As additional security for the bonds, notes, or   warrants, the municipality may, by the terms of a mortgage, grant to   the purchaser under sale or foreclosure a franchise to operate the   properties purchased for a period of not more than 99 years after   the purchase. If at the time of the sale or foreclosure there is a   pier, structure, or improvement located in whole or in part on or   over state-owned tideland, water, and bed of the Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico], during that period of 99 years the purchaser and   the purchaser's heirs, successors, and assigns have the same right   of use and occupancy to the state-owned tideland, water, and bed as   is granted to the municipality under this chapter. On termination   of that period or on cessation of use of the property for that   purpose, the right of use and occupancy reverts to the   municipality.          SECTION 10.22.  Section 321.001(a), Local Government Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  A county that borders on the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico] and that has within its boundaries one or more islands or   parts of islands suitable for park purposes may act under this   chapter for the purpose of improving, equipping, maintaining,   financing, and operating one or more parks on those islands.          SECTION 10.23.  Section 321.101, Local Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 321.101.  APPLICABILITY. Notwithstanding Section   321.001, this subchapter applies only to:                (1)  a county described by Section 321.001; and                (2)  a county that borders on the Gulf of America [Gulf   of Mexico] and has within its boundaries a beach that:                      (A)  is wholly or partly operated by the county as   a park; or                      (B)  is otherwise controlled or maintained by the   county.          SECTION 10.24.  Section 351.081, Local Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 351.081.  ESTABLISHMENT IN POPULOUS COUNTIES. The   commissioners court of a county with a population of more than 3.3   million or a county that borders the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico] may establish a department of county park rangers.          SECTION 10.25.  Section 351.083, Local Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 351.083.  LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES IN COUNTY PARKS.   The department shall provide law enforcement services within the   county parks of the county and, in a county that borders the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico], in the unincorporated areas of the county   that are located on an island or isthmus.          SECTION 10.26.  Section 351.084(b), Local Government Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (b)  The county park rangers have the same law enforcement   authority that is given by law to deputy sheriffs except that the   law enforcement jurisdiction of rangers is limited to the county   parks of the county and, in a county that borders the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico], to the unincorporated areas of the county   that are located on an island or isthmus.          SECTION 10.27.  Section 375.182, Local Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 375.182.  PROHIBITED USE OF FUNDS. Funds may not be   spent, an assessment imposed, or a tax levied under this chapter to   finance the opening, reopening, or maintenance of a pass, canal, or   waterway across a barrier island connecting the Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico] with inland waters.          SECTION 10.28.  Section 382.002, Local Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 382.002.  APPLICABILITY. This chapter applies only to:                (1)  a county with a population of 1.5 million or more,   other than a county that:                      (A)  borders on the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico] or a bay or inlet of the gulf; or                      (B)  has two municipalities located wholly or   partly in its boundaries each having a population of 225,000 or   more; or                (2)  a county with a population of 70,000 or more that   is adjacent to a county described by Subdivision (1) in which a   municipality with a population of 90,000 or more is primarily   situated and includes all or a part of the extraterritorial   jurisdiction of a municipality with a population of 1.1 million or   more.          SECTION 10.29.  Section 501.103, Local Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 501.103.  CERTAIN INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.   In this subtitle, "project" includes expenditures that are found by   the board of directors to be required or suitable for   infrastructure necessary to promote or develop new or expanded   business enterprises, limited to:                (1)  streets and roads, rail spurs, water and sewer   utilities, electric utilities, or gas utilities, drainage, site   improvements, and related improvements;                (2)  telecommunications and Internet improvements; or                (3)  beach remediation along the Gulf of America [Gulf   of Mexico].          SECTION 10.30.  Section 501.163(a), Local Government Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  This section applies only to a corporation the creation   of which was authorized by a municipality that:                (1)  has a population of 10,000 or more;                (2)  is located in a county that borders:                      (A)  the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] or the   Gulf Intracoastal Waterway; or                      (B)  the United Mexican States and in which four   municipalities with a population of 70,000 or more are located; and                (3)  has, or is included in a metropolitan statistical   area of this state that has, an unemployment rate that averaged at   least two percent above the state average for the most recent two   consecutive years for which statistics are available.          SECTION 10.31.  Section 561.007(a), Local Government Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  This section applies only to a county that:                (1)  has a population of 190,000 or more, is adjacent to   a county with a population of 3.3 million or more, and borders the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]; and                (2)  operates a road department system under Subchapter   D, Chapter 252, Transportation Code.          SECTION 10.32.  Section 561.008(a), Local Government Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  The commissioners court of a county that borders the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico], other than Jefferson, Kenedy,   Kleberg, Nueces, Orange, or Willacy County, may:                (1)  construct breakwaters;                (2)  issue bonds, time warrants, or certificates of   indebtedness of the county to pay for the construction; and                (3)  impose ad valorem taxes to pay the bonds,   warrants, or certificates.          SECTION 10.33.  Section 571.001, Local Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 571.001.  APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER. This subchapter   applies only to a county or municipality that borders the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico].   ARTICLE 11. NATURAL RESOURCES CODE PROVISIONS          SECTION 11.01.  Section 11.0111(a), Natural Resources Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  The commissioner shall:                (1)  have the area between the coastline of the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico] and the Three Marine League line compiled   and platted; and                (2)  locate and set the boundary lines between the   coastal counties from the coastline to the Three Marine League   line.          SECTION 11.02.  Sections 11.012(b) and (c), Natural   Resources Code, are amended to read as follows:          (b)  The State of Texas has full sovereignty over the water,   the beds and shores, and the arms of the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico] within its boundaries as provided in Subsection (a) of this   section, subject only to the right of the United States to regulate   foreign and interstate commerce under Article I, Section 8 of the   United States Constitution, and the power of the United States over   admiralty and maritime jurisdiction under Article III, Section 2 of   the United States Constitution.          (c)  The State of Texas owns the water and the beds and shores   of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] and the arms of the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico] within the boundaries provided in this   section, including all land which is covered by the Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico] and the arms of the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico] either at low tide or high tide.          SECTION 11.03.  Sections 11.013(a) and (c), Natural   Resources Code, are amended to read as follows:          (a)  The gulfward boundary of each county located on the   coastline of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] is the Three   Marine League line as determined by the United States Supreme   Court.          (c)  The gulfward boundaries of any city, town, or village   created and operating under the general laws of the State of Texas   shall not be established or extended by incorporation or annexation   more than 5,280 feet gulfward beyond the coastline. The governing   body of such a city, town, or village may, by ordinance, extend the   municipal boundaries up to 5,280 feet gulfward. Any inclusion of   territory in any such city, town, or village more than 5,280 feet   gulfward beyond the coastline is void. The term "coastline" as used   in this subsection means the line of mean low tide along that   portion of the coast which is in direct contact with the open Gulf   of America [Gulf of Mexico]. The term "city, town, or village   created and operating under the general laws of the State of Texas"   shall not include any city operating under a home-rule charter.          If any such general-law city, town, or village has heretofore   been established by incorporation or attempted incorporation more   than 5,280 feet gulfward beyond the coastline, the corporate   existence of such general-law city, town, or village is in all   things validated, ratified, approved, and confirmed.          The boundaries of such general-law city, town, or village,   including the gulfward boundaries to the extent of 5,280 feet   gulfward beyond the coastline, are in all things validated,   ratified, approved, and confirmed and shall not be held invalid by   reason of the inclusion of more territory than is expressly   authorized in Article 971, Revised Civil Statutes of Texas, 1925,   as amended, or by reason of the inclusion of territory other than   that which is intended to be used for strictly town or city purposes   as required by Section 7.002, Local Government Code or by reason of   not constituting a city, town, or village.          Neither this Act nor the general laws nor the special laws of   the state shall have the effect of validating, ratifying,   approving, or confirming the inclusion of territory in any such   general-law city, town, or village more than 5,280 feet gulfward   beyond the coastline.          If for any reason it should be determined by any court of   competent jurisdiction that any such general-law city, town, or   village has heretofore been incorporated in violation of the laws   of the state in effect as of the date of such incorporation or is   invalid, the corporate boundaries of any such general-law city,   town, or village shall be revised and reformed to exclude all   territory more than 5,280 feet gulfward of the coastline.          SECTION 11.04.  Section 11.041(a), Natural Resources Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  In addition to land and minerals granted to the   permanent school fund under the constitution and other laws of this   state, the permanent school fund shall include:                (1)  the mineral estate in river beds and channels;                (2)  the mineral estate in areas within tidewater   limits, including islands, lakes, bays, and the bed of the sea which   belong to the state; and                (3)  the arms and the beds and shores of the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico] within the boundary of Texas.          SECTION 11.05.  Section 32.066(a), Natural Resources Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  The board may grant easements of right-of-way on any   land except:                (1)  unsold public school land;                (2)  the portion of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]   within the jurisdiction of the state; and                (3)  islands, saltwater lakes, bays, inlets, marshes,   and reefs owned by the state within tidewater limits.          SECTION 11.06.  Sections 32.067(a)(2) and (3), Natural   Resources Code, are amended to read as follows:                (2)  "Qualifying Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]   property" means land described in Section 52.011(2) that is subject   to a lease issued under Subchapter B, Chapter 52.                (3)  "Qualifying Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]   reservoir" means a reservoir that:                      (A)  during a period established by board rule has   an average daily per well production equal to or less than 50   barrels of oil or barrels of oil equivalent; and                      (B)  underlies:                            (i)  a qualifying Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico] property; or                            (ii)  a pooled unit that includes a   qualifying Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] property.          SECTION 11.07.  Sections 33.004(5) and (11), Natural   Resources Code, are amended to read as follows:                (5)  "Coastal area" means the geographic area   comprising all the counties in Texas which have any tidewater   shoreline, including that portion of the bed and water of the Gulf   of America [Gulf of Mexico] within the jurisdiction of the State of   Texas.                (11)  "Submerged land" means any land extending from   the boundary between the land of the state and the littoral owners   seaward to the low-water mark on any saltwater lake, bay, inlet,   estuary, or inland water within the tidewater limits, and any land   lying beneath the body of water, but for the purposes of this   chapter only, shall exclude beaches bordering on and the water of   the open Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] and the land lying beneath   this water.          SECTION 11.08.  Sections 33.203(1), (6), (11), (15), and   (18), Natural Resources Code, are amended to read as follows:                (1)  "Coastal natural resource areas" means:                      (A)  coastal barriers;                      (B)  coastal historic areas;                      (C)  coastal preserves;                      (D)  coastal shore areas;                      (E)  coastal wetlands;                      (F)  critical dune areas;                      (G)  critical erosion areas;                      (H)  gulf beaches;                      (I)  hard substrate reefs;                      (J)  oyster reefs;                      (K)  submerged land;                      (L)  special hazard areas;                      (M)  submerged aquatic vegetation;                      (N)  tidal sand or mud flats;                      (O)  water of the open Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico]; and                      (P)  water under tidal influence.                (6)  "Coastal waters" means waters under tidal   influence and waters of the open Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico].                (11)  "Gulf beach" means a beach bordering the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico] that is:                      (A)  located inland from the mean low tide line to   the natural line of vegetation bordering the seaward shore of the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]; or                      (B)  part of a contiguous beach area to which the   public has a right of use or easement:                            (i)  continuously held by the public; or                            (ii)  acquired by the public by   prescription, dedication, or estoppel.                (15)  "Submerged land" means land located under waters   under tidal influence or under waters of the open Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico], without regard to whether the land is owned by the   state or a person other than the state.                (18)  "Water of the open Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico]" means water in this state, as defined by Section   26.001(5), Water Code, that is part of the open water of the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico] and that is within the territorial limits   of the state.          SECTION 11.09.  Section 33.233(5), Natural Resources Code,   is amended to read as follows:                (5)  "Seawater" means any water containing a   concentration of one-twentieth of one percent or more by weight of   total dissolved inorganic salts derived from the marine water of   the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico].          SECTION 11.10.  Section 33.607(b), Natural Resources Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (b)  On an ongoing basis, the commissioner, in consultation   with the Bureau of Economic Geology of The University of Texas at   Austin and coastal county and municipal governments, shall monitor   historical erosion rates at each location along the shore of the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico].          SECTION 11.11.  Section 33.613(a), Natural Resources Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  Notwithstanding Sections 66.204 and 81.103, Parks and   Wildlife Code, the commissioner may undertake the closure or   modification of a man-made pass or its environs between the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico] and an inland bay if:                (1)  the commissioner determines that the pass causes   or contributes to significant erosion of the shoreline of the   adjacent beach;                (2)  the pass is not a public navigational channel   constructed or maintained by the federal government; and                (3)  the land office receives legislative   appropriations or other funding for that purpose.          SECTION 11.12.  Section 33.651(2), Natural Resources Code,   is amended to read as follows:                (2)  "Coastal county" means a county that borders on   the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico].          SECTION 11.13.  Section 33.656, Natural Resources Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 33.656.  PROJECTS THAT QUALIFY FOR FUNDING. To qualify   for funding under this subchapter, a project must:                (1)  be sponsored by a coastal county;                (2)  be located within the sponsoring coastal county   along or adjacent to the shore of the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico], an inland bay, or a connecting channel between the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico] and an inland bay;                (3)  be accessible by public roads or a common carrier   ferry;                (4)  be identified and approved for funding by a   coastal county and the land office; and                (5)  require more than $5 million to complete, as   estimated by the land office, unless the project implements a   building set-back line established under Section 33.607.          SECTION 11.14.  Section 40.003(2), Natural Resources Code,   is amended to read as follows:                (2)  "Coastal waters" means the waters and bed of the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] within the jurisdiction of the   State of Texas, including the arms of the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico] subject to tidal influence, and any other waters contiguous   thereto that are navigable by vessels with a capacity to carry   10,000 gallons or more of oil as fuel or cargo.          SECTION 11.15.  Section 51.291(a), Natural Resources Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), the commissioner   may execute grants of easements or other interests in property for   rights-of-way or access across, through, and under unsold public   school land, the portion of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]   within the jurisdiction of the state, the state-owned riverbeds and   beds of navigable streams in the public domain, and all islands,   saltwater lakes, bays, inlets, marshes, and reefs owned by the   state within tidewater limits for:                (1)  telephone, telegraph, electric transmission, and   power lines;                (2)  oil pipelines, including pipelines connecting the   onshore storage facilities with the offshore facilities of a   deepwater port, as defined by the federal Deepwater Port Act of 1974   (33 U.S.C.A. Section 1501 et seq.), gas pipelines, sulphur   pipelines, and other electric lines and pipelines of any nature;                (3)  irrigation canals, laterals, and water pipelines;                (4)  roads; and                (5)  any other purpose the commissioner considers to be   in the best interest of the state.          SECTION 11.16.  Section 52.011, Natural Resources Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 52.011.  AREA SUBJECT TO LEASE. Under the provisions of   this subchapter, the board may lease to any person for the   production of oil and natural gas:                (1)  islands, saltwater lakes, bays, inlets, marshes,   and reefs owned by the state within tidewater limits;                (2)  the portion of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]   within the jurisdiction of the state;                (3)  all unsold surveyed and unsurveyed public school   land; and                (4)  all land sold with a reservation of minerals to the   state under Section 51.054 or 51.086 of this code in which the state   has retained leasing rights.          SECTION 11.17.  Section 52.297(a), Natural Resources Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  Leases issued under Subchapter B of this chapter for   unsold surveyed or unsurveyed school land, other than land included   in islands, saltwater lakes, bays, inlets, marshes, and reefs owned   by the state in tidewater limits and other than that portion of the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] within the jurisdiction of the   state, must include a provision requiring the compensation for   damages from the use of the surface in prospecting for, exploring,   developing, or producing the leased minerals.          SECTION 11.18.  Section 52.321(4), Natural Resources Code,   is amended to read as follows:                (4)  "Areas within tidewater limits" means islands,   saltwater lakes, bays, inlets, marshes, and reefs within tidewater   limits and that portion of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]   within the jurisdiction of Texas.          SECTION 11.19.  Section 53.011, Natural Resources Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 53.011.  LAND SUBJECT TO PROSPECT. Any tract of land   that belongs to the state, including islands, salt and freshwater   lakes, bays, inlets, marshes, and reefs owned by the state within   tidewater limits, the part of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]   within the state's jurisdiction, unsold surveyed public school   land, rivers and channels that belong to the state, and land sold   with a reservation of minerals to the state are subject to prospect   by any person for those minerals which are not subject to lease or   permit under any other statute.  A person may not prospect from a   location within 2,500 feet of a military base, but prospectors may,   from a location more than 2,500 feet from a base, look for minerals   within the 2,500-foot strip.          SECTION 11.20.  Section 53.151(a), Natural Resources Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  Under the provisions of this subchapter, the board may   lease to any person for the production of coal, lignite, sulphur,   salt, and potash:                (1)  islands, saltwater lakes, bays, inlets, marshes,   and reefs owned by the state within tidewater limits;                (2)  the portion of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]   within the jurisdiction of the state;                (3)  rivers and channels that belong to the state;                (4)  all unsold surveyed and unsurveyed public school   land; and                (5)  all land sold with a reservation of minerals to the   state under Section 51.054 or 51.086 of this code in which the state   has retained leasing rights.          SECTION 11.21.  Section 53.155(a), Natural Resources Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  Leases issued under Subchapter B or E of this chapter   for unsold surveyed or unsurveyed school land, other than land   included in islands, saltwater lakes, bays, inlets, marshes, and   reefs owned by the state in tidewater limits and other than that   portion of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] within the   jurisdiction of the state, must include a provision requiring   compensation for damages from the use of the surface in prospecting   for, exploring, developing, or producing the leased minerals.          SECTION 11.22.  Section 53.161(7), Natural Resources Code,   is amended to read as follows:                (7)  "Areas within tidewater limits" means islands,   saltwater lakes, bays, inlets, marshes, and reefs within tidewater   limits and that portion of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]   within the jurisdiction of Texas.          SECTION 11.23.  Section 61.001(8), Natural Resources Code,   is amended to read as follows:                (8)  "Public beach" means any beach area, whether   publicly or privately owned, extending inland from the line of mean   low tide to the line of vegetation bordering on the Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico] to which the public has acquired the right of use   or easement to or over the area by prescription, dedication,   presumption, or has retained a right by virtue of continuous right   in the public since time immemorial, as recognized in law and   custom.  This definition does not include a beach that is not   accessible by a public road or public ferry as provided in Section   61.021 of this code.          SECTION 11.24.  Section 61.011(a), Natural Resources Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  It is declared and affirmed to be the public policy of   this state that the public, individually and collectively, shall   have the free and unrestricted right of ingress and egress to and   from the state-owned beaches bordering on the seaward shore of the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico], or if the public has acquired a   right of use or easement to or over an area by prescription,   dedication, or has retained a right by virtue of continuous right in   the public, the public shall have the free and unrestricted right of   ingress and egress to the larger area extending from the line of   mean low tide to the line of vegetation bordering on the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico].          SECTION 11.25.  Section 61.012, Natural Resources Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 61.012.  DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "beach" means   state-owned beaches to which the public has the right of ingress and   egress bordering on the seaward shore of the Gulf of America [Gulf   of Mexico] or any larger area extending from the line of mean low   tide to the line of vegetation bordering on the Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico] if the public has acquired a right of use or   easement to or over the area by prescription, dedication, or has   retained a right by virtue of continuous right in the public.          SECTION 11.26.  Section 61.013(c), Natural Resources Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (c)  For purposes of this section, "public beach" shall mean   any beach bordering on the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] that   extends inland from the line of mean low tide to the natural line of   vegetation bordering on the seaward shore of the Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico], or such larger contiguous area to which the public   has acquired a right of use or easement to or over by prescription,   dedication, or estoppel, or has retained a right by virtue of   continuous right in the public since time immemorial as recognized   by law or custom.  This definition does not include a beach that is   not accessible by a public road or public ferry as provided in   Section 61.021 of this code.          SECTION 11.27.  Section 61.014(a), Natural Resources Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  As used in this section, "public beach" means the area   extending from the line of mean low tide of the Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico] to the line of vegetation bordering on the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico], or to a line 200 feet inland from the line   of mean low tide, whichever is nearer the line of mean low tide, if   the public has acquired a right of use or easement to or over the   area by prescription, dedication, or has retained a right by virtue   of continuous right in the public.          SECTION 11.28.  Section 61.018(a-1), Natural Resources   Code, is amended to read as follows:          (a-1)  A county attorney, district attorney, or criminal   district attorney or the attorney general may not file a suit under   Subsection (a) to obtain a temporary or permanent court order or   injunction, either prohibitory or mandatory, to remove a house from   a public beach if:                (1)  the line of vegetation establishing the boundary   of the public beach moved as a result of a meteorological event that   occurred before January 1, 2009;                (2)  the house was located landward of the natural line   of vegetation before the meteorological event;                (3)  a portion of the house continues to be located   landward of the line of vegetation; and                (4)  the house is located on a peninsula in a county   with a population of more than 315,000 and less than 351,000 that   borders the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico].          SECTION 11.29.  Section 61.022(a), Natural Resources Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  The provisions of this subchapter do not prevent any of   the following governmental entities from erecting or maintaining   any groin, seawall, barrier, pass, channel, jetty, or other   structure as an aid to navigation, protection of the shore,   fishing, safety, or other lawful purpose authorized by the   constitution or laws of this state or the United States:                (1)  an agency, department, institution, subdivision,   or instrumentality of the federal government;                (2)  an agency, department, institution, or   instrumentality of this state;                (3)  a county;                (4)  a municipality;                (5)  a subdivision of this state, other than a county or   municipality, acting in partnership with the county or municipality   in which the structure is located; or                (6)  a subdivision of this state, acting with the   approval of the commissioner, if the structure is a shore   protection structure that:                      (A)  is designed to protect public   infrastructure, including a state or county highway or bridge;                      (B)  is located on land that:                            (i)  is state-owned submerged land or was   acquired for the project by a subdivision of this state; and                            (ii)  is located in or adjacent to the mouth   of a natural inlet from the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]; and                      (C)  extends at least 1,000 feet along the   shoreline.          SECTION 11.30.  Section 61.023, Natural Resources Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 61.023.  EFFECT ON LAND TITLES AND PROPERTY ADJACENT TO   AND ON BEACHES. The provisions of this subchapter shall not be   construed as affecting in any way the title of the owners of land   adjacent to any state-owned beach bordering on the seaward shore of   the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] or to the continuation of   fences for the retention of livestock across sections of beach   which are not accessible to motor vehicle traffic by public road or   by beach.          SECTION 11.31.  Section 61.025(a), Natural Resources Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), a person who sells   or conveys an interest, other than a mineral, leasehold, or   security interest, in real property located seaward of the Gulf   Intracoastal Waterway to its southernmost point and then seaward of   the longitudinal line also known as 97 degrees, 12', 19" which runs   southerly to the international boundary from the intersection of   the centerline of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and the   Brownsville Ship Channel must include in any executory contract for   conveyance a statement in substantially the following form:   CONCERNING THE PROPERTY AT ________________________________   DISCLOSURE NOTICE CONCERNING LEGAL AND ECONOMIC RISKS   OF PURCHASING COASTAL REAL PROPERTY NEAR A BEACH          WARNING: THE FOLLOWING NOTICE OF POTENTIAL RISKS OF ECONOMIC   LOSS TO YOU AS THE PURCHASER OF COASTAL REAL PROPERTY IS REQUIRED BY   STATE LAW.          ●    READ THIS NOTICE CAREFULLY. DO NOT SIGN THIS CONTRACT   UNTIL YOU FULLY UNDERSTAND THE RISKS YOU ARE ASSUMING.          ●    BY PURCHASING THIS PROPERTY, YOU MAY BE ASSUMING   ECONOMIC RISKS OVER AND ABOVE THE RISKS INVOLVED IN PURCHASING   INLAND REAL PROPERTY.          ●    IF YOU OWN A STRUCTURE LOCATED ON COASTAL REAL PROPERTY   NEAR A GULF COAST BEACH, IT MAY COME TO BE LOCATED ON THE PUBLIC   BEACH BECAUSE OF COASTAL EROSION AND STORM EVENTS.          ●    AS THE OWNER OF A STRUCTURE LOCATED ON THE PUBLIC BEACH,   YOU COULD BE SUED BY THE STATE OF TEXAS AND ORDERED TO REMOVE THE   STRUCTURE.          ●    THE COSTS OF REMOVING A STRUCTURE FROM THE PUBLIC BEACH   AND ANY OTHER ECONOMIC LOSS INCURRED BECAUSE OF A REMOVAL ORDER   WOULD BE SOLELY YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.          The real property described in this contract is located   seaward of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway to its southernmost point   and then seaward of the longitudinal line also known as 97 degrees,   12', 19" which runs southerly to the international boundary from   the intersection of the centerline of the Gulf Intracoastal   Waterway and the Brownsville Ship Channel. If the property is in   close proximity to a beach fronting the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico], the purchaser is hereby advised that the public has   acquired a right of use or easement to or over the area of any public   beach by prescription, dedication, or presumption, or has retained   a right by virtue of continuous right in the public since time   immemorial, as recognized in law and custom.          The extreme seaward boundary of natural vegetation that   spreads continuously inland customarily marks the landward   boundary of the public easement. If there is no clearly marked   natural vegetation line, the landward boundary of the easement is   as provided by Sections 61.016 and 61.017, Natural Resources Code.          Much of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] coastline is   eroding at rates of more than five feet per year. Erosion rates for   all Texas Gulf property subject to the open beaches act are   available from the Texas General Land Office.          State law prohibits any obstruction, barrier, restraint, or   interference with the use of the public easement, including the   placement of structures seaward of the landward boundary of the   easement. OWNERS OF STRUCTURES ERECTED SEAWARD OF THE VEGETATION   LINE (OR OTHER APPLICABLE EASEMENT BOUNDARY) OR THAT BECOME SEAWARD   OF THE VEGETATION LINE AS A RESULT OF PROCESSES SUCH AS SHORELINE   EROSION ARE SUBJECT TO A LAWSUIT BY THE STATE OF TEXAS TO REMOVE THE   STRUCTURES.          The purchaser is hereby notified that the purchaser should:                (1)  determine the rate of shoreline erosion in the   vicinity of the real property; and                (2)  seek the advice of an attorney or other qualified   person before executing this contract or instrument of conveyance   as to the relevance of these statutes and facts to the value of the   property the purchaser is hereby purchasing or contracting to   purchase.          SECTION 11.32.  Section 61.062, Natural Resources Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 61.062.  PUBLIC POLICY. It is the public policy of this   state that the public, individually and collectively, shall have   the free and unrestricted right of ingress and egress to and from   the state-owned beaches bordering on the seaward shore of the Gulf   of America [Gulf of Mexico] if the public has acquired a right of   use or easement to or over the area by prescription, dedication, or   continuous use.  This creates a responsibility for the state, in its   position as trustee for the public to assist local governments in   the cleaning of beach areas which are subject to the access rights   of the public as defined in Subchapter B of this chapter.          SECTION 11.33.  Section 61.064, Natural Resources Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 61.064.  APPLICATION OF SUBCHAPTER. This subchapter   applies to incorporated cities, towns, and villages that are   located or border on the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] and to all   counties that are located or border on the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico] if the city, town, or village or county that makes   application for funds under this subchapter has within its   boundaries public beaches.          SECTION 11.34.  Sections 61.065(a) and (c), Natural   Resources Code, are amended to read as follows:          (a)  It is the duty and responsibility of the governing body   of any incorporated city, town, or village located or bordering on   the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] to clean and maintain the   condition of all public beaches within the corporate boundaries.          (c)  As part of the duty under this section to clean and   maintain the condition of public beaches, a municipality shall:                (1)  during reasonable daylight hours, as established   and posted by the municipality, from Memorial Day to Labor Day,   provide, or ensure that a park board created by the municipality   under Chapter 306, Local Government Code, provides:                      (A)  occupied lifeguard towers or mobile   lifeguard units on each side of each pier, jetty, or other structure   that protrudes into the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] that is   located within the corporate boundaries; or                      (B)  a single occupied lifeguard tower or mobile   lifeguard unit at each pier, jetty, or other structure that   protrudes into the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] that is located   within the corporate boundaries if the single tower provides an   unobstructed view of both sides of the structure; and                (2)  post within 100 yards of each side of each   structure described by Subdivision (1) signs clearly describing the   dangerous water conditions that may occur near the structure.          SECTION 11.35.  Sections 61.066(a) and (b), Natural   Resources Code, are amended to read as follows:          (a)  It is the duty and responsibility of the commissioners   court of any county located or bordering on the Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico] to clean and maintain the condition of all public   beaches located inside the county but outside the boundaries of any   incorporated city located or bordering on the Gulf of America [Gulf   of Mexico] and all public beaches owned by the county and located   inside the boundaries of an incorporated city, town, or village.          (b)  As part of the duty under this section to clean and   maintain the condition of public beaches, a county shall:                (1)  during reasonable daylight hours, as established   and posted by the county, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, provide:                      (A)  occupied lifeguard towers or mobile   lifeguard units on each side of each pier, jetty, or other structure   that protrudes into the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] that is   located on a public beach described by Subsection (a); or                      (B)  a single occupied lifeguard tower or mobile   lifeguard unit at each pier, jetty, or other structure that   protrudes into the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] that is located   on a public beach described by Subsection (a) if the single tower   provides an unobstructed view of both sides of the structure; and                (2)  post within 100 yards of each side of each   structure described by Subdivision (1) signs clearly describing the   dangerous water conditions that may occur near the structure.          SECTION 11.36.  Section 61.066(e), Natural Resources Code,   as added by Chapter 466 (H.B. 630), Acts of the 88th Legislature,   Regular Session, 2023, is redesignated as Section 61.066(d),   Natural Resources Code, and amended to read as follows:          (d) [(e)]  Subsection (b)(1) does not apply to a county   adjacent to a county with a population of more than 3.3 million that   contains a municipality adjacent to the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico] with a population of less than 1,000.          SECTION 11.37.  Section 61.067(a-2), Natural Resources   Code, is amended to read as follows:          (a-2)  As part of the duty under this section to clean and   maintain the condition of public beaches located within state   parks, the department shall:                (1)  during reasonable daylight hours, as established   and posted by the department, from Memorial Day to Labor Day,   provide:                      (A)  occupied lifeguard towers or mobile   lifeguard units on each side of each pier, jetty, or other structure   that protrudes into the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] that is   located within a state park; or                      (B)  a single occupied lifeguard tower or mobile   lifeguard unit at each pier, jetty, or other structure that   protrudes into the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] that is located   within a state park if the single tower provides an unobstructed   view of both sides of the structure; and                (2)  post within 100 yards of each side of each   structure described by Subdivision (1) signs clearly describing the   dangerous water conditions that may occur near the structure.          SECTION 11.38.  Section 61.078, Natural Resources Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 61.078.  AUTHORITY TO SPEND COUNTY FUNDS. The   commissioners court of any county located or bordering on the Gulf   of America [Gulf of Mexico] may spend from any available fund the   amount it considers necessary to carry out the responsibilities   provided in this subchapter.          SECTION 11.39.  Section 61.080(a), Natural Resources Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  The governing body of any incorporated city located or   bordering on the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] that is not   entitled to receive funds under this subchapter may contract with   the commissioners court of the county in which the city is located   to allow the county to clean the beaches within the corporate limits   of the city.          SECTION 11.40.  Section 61.083, Natural Resources Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 61.083.  EXEMPTIONS FROM SUBCHAPTER. None of the   provisions of this subchapter apply to any beach area that does not   border on the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] or to any island or   peninsula that is not accessible by a public road or common carrier   ferry facility as long as that condition exists.          SECTION 11.41.  Sections 61.122(a), (b), (c), and (d),   Natural Resources Code, are amended to read as follows:          (a)  The commissioners court of a county bordering on the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] or its tidewater limits, by order,   may regulate motor vehicle traffic on any beach within the   boundaries of the county, including prohibiting motor vehicle   traffic on any natural or man-made sand dune or other form of   shoreline protection, and may prohibit the littering of the beach   and may define the term "littering."          (b)  The commissioners court of a county bordering the Gulf   of America [Gulf of Mexico] or its tidewaters, by order, may   regulate the possession of animals on the beach within its   boundaries, including but not limited to prohibiting animals to run   at large on said beach.          (c)  The commissioners court of a county bordering the Gulf   of America [Gulf of Mexico] or its tidewaters, by order, may   regulate swimming in passes leading to and from the Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico], located within its boundaries, including but not   limited to prohibiting swimming in said passes and posting signs   notifying persons of such regulation or prohibition.          (d)  The commissioners court of a county bordering on the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] or its tidewater limits, by order,   may prohibit the use and possession of all glass containers and   products on a beach in the unincorporated area of the county. The   commissioners court shall not prohibit any one or several glass   products to the exclusion of any others.          SECTION 11.42.  Section 61.129(a), Natural Resources Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  Except as provided in Section 61.022 of this code, this   subchapter does not limit the power of an incorporated city, town,   or village bordering on the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] or any   adjacent body of water to regulate motor vehicle traffic and   prohibit littering on any beach within its corporate limits.          SECTION 11.43.  Section 61.132(a), Natural Resources Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  This section applies only to a county bordering on the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] or its tidewater limits that   contains a launch site the construction and operation of which have   been approved in a record of decision issued by the Federal Aviation   Administration following the preparation of an environmental   impact statement by that administration.          SECTION 11.44.  Section 61.161, Natural Resources Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 61.161.  PUBLIC POLICY. It is the public policy of this   state that the state-owned beaches bordering on the seaward shore   of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico], and any larger area   extending from the line of mean low tide to the line of vegetation   bordering on the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico], if the public has   acquired a right of use or easement to or over the area by the   prescription or dedication or has retained a right by virtue of   continuous right in the public, shall be used primarily for   recreational purposes, and any use which substantially interferes   with the enjoyment of the beach area by the public shall constitute   an offense against the public policy of the state.  Nothing in this   subchapter prevents any agency, department, political subdivision,   or municipal corporation of this state from exercising its lawful   authority under any law of this state to regulate safety conditions   on any beach area subject to public use.          SECTION 11.45.  Section 61.162(a), Natural Resources Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  The legislature finds that the operation and   maintenance of business establishments at fixed or permanent   locations on the public beaches of this state bordering on the   seaward shore of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] constitute a   potential public health hazard and a substantial interference with   the free and unrestricted rights of ingress and egress of the   public, both individually and collectively, to and from the   state-owned beaches bordering on the seaward shore of the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico] or any larger area extending from the line   of mean low tide to the line of vegetation bordering on the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico] if the public has acquired a right of use   or easement to or over the area by prescription, dedication, or has   retained a right by virtue of continuous right in the public.          SECTION 11.46.  Section 61.211, Natural Resources Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 61.211.  FINDINGS. The legislature finds that the   unregulated excavation, taking, removal, and carrying away of sand,   marl, gravel, and shell from islands and peninsulas bordering on   the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] and from the public beaches of   the state constitute a substantial interference with public   enjoyment of Texas beaches and a hazard to life and property.          SECTION 11.47.  Section 61.213, Natural Resources Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 61.213.  APPLICATION. Before a person excavates,   takes, removes, or carries away sand, marl, gravel, or shell from   land located on an exposed island or peninsula bordering on the Gulf   of America [Gulf of Mexico] or from land located within 1,500 feet   of a mainland public beach that is located outside the boundaries of   an incorporated city, town, or village, he must submit a written   application to the commissioners court of the county in which the   excavation, taking, removal, or carrying away is to take place.          SECTION 11.48.  Section 61.223, Natural Resources Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 61.223.  SUITS FOR ORDERS AND INJUNCTIONS. The   attorney general, any county attorney, district attorney, or   criminal district attorney of the state shall file in a district   court in the county in which the conduct takes place, a suit seeking   temporary or permanent court orders or injunctions to prohibit any   excavating, taking, removing, or carrying away of any sand, marl,   gravel, or shell from land located on an exposed island or peninsula   bordering on the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] or from land   located within 1,500 feet of a public beach of this state if the   land is located outside the boundaries of an incorporated city,   town, or village in violation of the provisions of this subchapter.          SECTION 11.49.  Section 61.224, Natural Resources Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 61.224.  PENALTY. A person who for himself or on behalf   of or under the direction of another person excavates, takes,   removes, or carries away sand, marl, gravel, or shell from land   located on an exposed island or peninsula bordering on the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico] or from land located within 1,500 feet of a   public beach of this state, if the land is located outside the   boundaries of any incorporated city, town, or village, in violation   of the provisions of this subchapter shall be fined not less than   $10 nor more than $200.  Each day a violation occurs constitutes a   separate offense.          SECTION 11.50.  Section 61.252(a), Natural Resources Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  To protect the public health, safety, and welfare, the   commissioners court of a county bordering on the Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico] or its tidewater limits, by order, may regulate   mass gatherings of individuals on any beach in the unincorporated   area of the county by requiring a person to obtain a permit and pay a   permit fee set by the commissioners court before the person may hold   a mass gathering.          SECTION 11.51.  Sections 62.001(a) and (e), Natural   Resources Code, are amended to read as follows:          (a)  The provisions of this chapter apply to counties that   are located or border on the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] and   have within their boundaries beaches that are suitable for park   purposes. The suitability of a beach for park purposes is   established conclusively when the commissioners court of the county   makes a finding that the beach located within its boundaries, but   not located within the boundaries of an incorporated city, is   suitable for park purposes.          (e)  The provisions of this chapter do not permit any   interference with the right the public has under the provisions of   Subchapter B, Chapter 61, to the free and unrestricted use of, and   to ingress and egress to, the area bordering on the Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico] from mean low tide to the line of vegetation, as   that term is defined in Section 61.001. A county, county official,   or anyone acting under the authority of this chapter may not   exercise any authority, contract out a right to exercise authority,   or otherwise delegate authority beyond that specifically granted to   it in Sections 61.122 through 61.128 over that area notwithstanding   any of the specific provisions of this chapter. The rights   established in Subchapters B and D, Chapter 61, are paramount over   the rights or interests that might otherwise be created by the   provisions of this chapter, and nothing in this chapter encroaches   on those rights or upon land, or interests in land, that may   ultimately be held subject to those rights.          SECTION 11.52.  Section 62.011, Natural Resources Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 62.011.  PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY. A county located or   bordering on the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] with a beach   suitable for park purposes may create a board in the manner provided   in this subchapter for the purpose of improving, equipping,   maintaining, financing, and operating a public park or parks, or   any facilities owned by the county, or to be acquired by the county,   or to be managed by the county under the terms of a written   contract.  The board, to be designated Beach Park Board of Trustees,   has the powers and duties specified in this chapter.          SECTION 11.53.  Section 62.091(a), Natural Resources Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  The following land is under the jurisdiction of the   board:                (1)  public beaches owned in fee by the county; and                (2)  land used as parks in connection with public   beaches not located inside the boundaries of an incorporated city   and not inside the area bordering on the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico] from the line of mean low tide to the line of vegetation as   that term is defined in Section 61.001.          SECTION 11.54.  Section 63.001, Natural Resources Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 63.001.  FINDINGS OF FACT. The legislature finds and   declares:                (1)  that the mainland gulf shoreline, barrier islands,   and peninsulas of this state contain a significant portion of the   state's human, natural, and recreational resources;                (2)  that these areas are and historically have been   wholly or in part protected from the action of the water of the Gulf   of America [Gulf of Mexico] and storms on the Gulf by a system of   vegetated and unvegetated sand dunes that provide a protective   barrier for adjacent land and inland water and land against the   action of sand, wind, and water;                (3)  that certain persons have from time to time   modified or destroyed the effectiveness of the protective barriers   and caused environmental damage in the process of developing the   shoreline for various purposes;                (4)  that the operation of recreational vehicles and   other activities over these dunes have destroyed the natural   vegetation on them;                (5)  that these practices constitute serious threats to   the safety of adjacent properties, to public highways, to the   taxable basis of adjacent property and constitute a real danger to   natural resources and to the health, safety, and welfare of persons   living, visiting, or sojourning in the area;                (6)  that it is necessary to protect these dunes as   provided in this chapter because stabilized, vegetated dunes offer   the best natural defense against storms and are areas of   significant biological diversity;                (7)  that vegetated stabilized dunes help preserve   state-owned beaches and shores by protecting against erosion of the   shoreline; and                (8)  that different areas of the coast are   characterized by dunes of various types and values, all of which   should be afforded protection.          SECTION 11.55.  Sections 63.002(2), (3), and (5), Natural   Resources Code, are amended to read as follows:                (2)  "Barrier island" means an island bordering on the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] and entirely surrounded by water.                (3)  "Peninsula" means an arm of land bordering on the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] surrounded on three sides by water.                (5)  "Mainland shoreline" means all shoreline fronting   on the open Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] that is not located on a   barrier island or a peninsula.          SECTION 11.56.  Section 63.011(a), Natural Resources Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  After notice and hearing, the commissioners court of   each county that has within its boundaries mainland shoreline, a   barrier island, or a peninsula located on the seaward shore of the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] shall establish a dune protection   line on any such shoreline, island, or peninsula within its   boundaries for the purpose of preserving sand dunes.          SECTION 11.57.  Section 63.012, Natural Resources Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 63.012.  LOCATION OF DUNE PROTECTION LINE. The dune   protection line shall not be located further landward than a line   drawn parallel to and 1,000 feet landward of the line of mean high   tide of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico].          SECTION 11.58.  Section 92.002(4), Natural Resources Code,   is amended to read as follows:                (4)  "Barrier island" means an island bordering on the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] and entirely surrounded by water.   ARTICLE 12. OCCUPATIONS CODE PROVISIONS          SECTION 12.01.  Section 2025.152, Occupations Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 2025.152.  LOCATION RESTRICTION FOR GREYHOUND   RACETRACK.  Each greyhound racetrack must be located in a county   that:                (1)  has a population of more than 190,000;                (2)  borders the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]; and                (3)  includes all or part of an island that borders the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico].   ARTICLE 13. PROPERTY CODE PROVISIONS          SECTION 13.01.  Section 5.008(b), Property Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (b)  The notice must be executed and must, at a minimum, read   substantially similar to the following:   SELLER'S DISCLOSURE NOTICE   CONCERNING THE PROPERTY AT ___________________________________                            (Street Address and City)     THIS NOTICE IS A DISCLOSURE OF SELLER'S KNOWLEDGE OF   THE CONDITION OF THE PROPERTY AS OF THE DATE SIGNED BY   SELLER AND IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR ANY INSPECTIONS OR   WARRANTIES THE PURCHASER MAY WISH TO OBTAIN.  IT IS NOT   A WARRANTY OF ANY KIND BY SELLER OR SELLER'S AGENTS.   Seller __ is __ is not occupying the Property.   If unoccupied, how long since Seller has occupied the Property?     ________________________________________________________________   1.  The Property has the items checked below:   Write Yes (Y), No (N), or Unknown (U).             __ Range __ Oven __ Microwave   __ Dishwasher __ Trash Compactor __ Disposal   __ Washer/Dryer __ Window __ Rain Gutters     Hookups   Screens   __ Security __ Fire Detection __ Intercom     System   Equipment   System   __ Smoke Detector   __ Smoke Detector -     Hearing Impaired   __ Carbon Monoxide     Alarm   __ Emergency Escape     Ladder(s)   __ TV Antenna __ Cable TV __ Satellite     Wiring   Dish   __ Ceiling Fan(s) __ Attic Fan(s) __ Exhaust     Fan(s)   __ Central A/C __ Central Heating __ Wall/Window     Air     Conditioning   __ Plumbing System __ Septic System __ Public Sewer     System   __ Patio/Decking __ Outdoor Grill __ Fences   __ Pool __ Sauna __ Spa   __ Hot Tub   __ Pool Equipment __ Pool Heater __ Automatic Lawn     Sprinkler     System   __ Fireplace(s) & __ Fireplace(s) &     Chimney   Chimney     (Woodburning)   (Mock)   __ Natural Gas Lines __ Gas Fixtures   __ Liquid Propane Gas: __ LP Community __ LP on Property     (Captive)   __ Fuel Gas Piping: __ Black Iron Pipe __ Corrugated   __ Copper   Stainless Steel     Tubing   Garage: __ Attached __ Not Attached __ Carport   Garage Door Opener(s): __ Electronic __ Control(s)   Water Heater: __ Gas __ Electric   Water Supply: __ City __ Well __ MUD __ Co-op   Roof Type:  ________________________________ Age:  _____(approx)   Are you (Seller) aware of any of the above items that are not in   working condition, that have known defects, or that are in need of   repair?  __ Yes  __ No  __ Unknown.   If yes, then describe.  (Attach additional sheets if necessary):   ________________________________________________________________   ________________________________________________________________   2.  Does the property have working smoke detectors installed in   accordance with the smoke detector requirements of Chapter 766,   Health and Safety Code?*  __ Yes  __ No  __ Unknown.   If the answer to the question above is no or unknown,   explain.  (Attach additional sheets if necessary):              *Chapter 766 of the Health and Safety Code requires   one-family or two-family dwellings to have working smoke detectors   installed in accordance with the requirements of the building code   in effect in the area in which the dwelling is located, including   performance, location, and power source requirements.  If you do   not know the building code requirements in effect in your area, you   may check unknown above or contact your local building official for   more information.  A buyer may require a seller to install smoke   detectors for the hearing impaired if:  (1) the buyer or a member of   the buyer's family who will reside in the dwelling is hearing   impaired; (2) the buyer gives the seller written evidence of the   hearing impairment from a licensed physician; and (3) within 10   days after the effective date, the buyer makes a written request for   the seller to install smoke detectors for the hearing impaired and   specifies the locations for installation.  The parties may agree   who will bear the cost of installing the smoke detectors and which   brand of smoke detectors to install.   3.  Are you (Seller) aware of any known defects/malfunctions in any   of the following?   Write Yes (Y) if you are aware, write No (N) if you are not aware.               __ Interior Walls __ Ceilings __ Floors   __ Exterior Walls __ Doors __ Windows   __ Roof __ Foundation/ __ Basement     Slab(s)   __ Walls/Fences __ Driveways __ Sidewalks   __ Plumbing/Sewers/ __ Electrical __ Lighting     Septics   Systems   Fixtures   __ Other Structural Components(Describe):______________________   ________________________________________________________________   ________________________________________________________________   If the answer to any of the above is yes, explain.  (Attach   additional sheets if necessary):________________________________   ________________________________________________________________   ________________________________________________________________   4.  Are you (Seller) aware of any of the following conditions?   Write Yes (Y) if you are aware, write No (N) if you are not aware.         __ Active Termites __ Previous Structural      (includes   or Roof Repair   wood-destroying insects)   __ Termite or Wood Rot Damage __ Hazardous or Toxic Waste     Needing Repair   __ Previous Termite Damage __ Asbestos Components   __ Previous Termite __ Urea formaldehyde     Treatment   Insulation   __ Radon Gas   __ Improper Drainage __ Lead Based Paint   __ Water Damage Not Due to a __ Aluminum Wiring     Flood Event   __ Previous Fires     __ Unplatted Easements     __ Landfill, Settling, Soil __ Subsurface     Movement, Fault Lines   Structure or Pits   __ Single Blockable Main __ Previous Use of Premises     Drain in Pool/Hot   for Manufacture of     Tub/Spa*   Methamphetamine   If the answer to any of the above is yes, explain.  (Attach   additional sheets if necessary):________________________________   ________________________________________________________________   ________________________________________________________________          *A single blockable main drain may cause a suction entrapment   hazard for an individual.   5.  Are you (Seller) aware of any item, equipment, or system in or   on the property that is in need of repair?  __ Yes (if you are   aware)  __ No (if you are not aware).  If yes, explain (attach   additional sheets as necessary).   _________________________________   6.  Are you (Seller) aware of any of the following conditions?   *  Write Yes (Y) if you are aware, write No (N) if you are not aware.     __  Present flood insurance coverage   __  Previous flooding due to a failure or breach of a reservoir or a   controlled or emergency release of water from a reservoir   __  Previous water penetration into a structure on the property due   to a natural flood event   Write Yes (Y) if you are aware and check wholly or partly as   applicable, write No (N) if you are not aware.     __ Located ( ) wholly  ( ) partly in a 100-year floodplain (Special   Flood Hazard Area-Zone A, V, A99, AE, AO, AH, VE, or AR)   __ Located ( ) wholly  ( ) partly in a 500-year floodplain (Moderate   Flood Hazard Area-Zone X (shaded))   __ Located ( ) wholly  ( ) partly in a floodway   __ Located ( ) wholly  ( ) partly in a flood pool   __ Located ( ) wholly  ( ) partly in a reservoir   If the answer to any of the above is yes, explain (attach additional   sheets as necessary):            * For purposes of this notice:          "100-year floodplain" means any area of land that:                (A)  is identified on the flood insurance rate map as a   special flood hazard area, which is designated as Zone A, V, A99,   AE, AO, AH, VE, or AR on the map;                (B)  has a one percent annual chance of flooding, which   is considered to be a high risk of flooding; and                (C)  may include a regulatory floodway, flood pool, or   reservoir.          "500-year floodplain" means any area of land that:                (A)  is identified on the flood insurance rate map as a   moderate flood hazard area, which is designated on the map as Zone X   (shaded); and                      (B)  has a two-tenths of one percent annual chance   of flooding, which is considered to be a moderate risk of flooding.          "Flood pool" means the area adjacent to a reservoir that lies   above the normal maximum operating level of the reservoir and that   is subject to controlled inundation under the management of the   United States Army Corps of Engineers.          "Flood insurance rate map" means the most recent flood hazard   map published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency under the   National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. Section 4001 et   seq.).          "Floodway" means an area that is identified on the flood   insurance rate map as a regulatory floodway, which includes the   channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas   that must be reserved for the discharge of a base flood, also   referred to as a 100-year flood, without cumulatively increasing   the water surface elevation more than a designated height.          "Reservoir" means a water impoundment project operated by the   United States Army Corps of Engineers that is intended to retain   water or delay the runoff of water in a designated surface area of   land.   7.  Have you (Seller) ever filed a claim for flood damage to the   property with any insurance provider, including the National Flood   Insurance Program (NFIP)?* __ Yes  __ No.  If yes, explain (attach   additional sheets as necessary):          *Homes in high risk flood zones with mortgages from federally   regulated or insured lenders are required to have flood   insurance.  Even when not required, the Federal Emergency   Management Agency (FEMA) encourages homeowners in high risk,   moderate risk, and low risk flood zones to purchase flood insurance   that covers the structure(s) and the personal property within the   structure(s).   8.  Have you (Seller) ever received assistance from FEMA or the   U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for flood damage to the   property? __ Yes  __ No.  If yes, explain (attach additional sheets   as necessary):   9.  Are you (Seller) aware of any of the following?   Write Yes (Y) if you are aware, write No (N) if you are not aware.       __ Room additions, structural modifications, or other alterations or repairs made without necessary permits or not in compliance with building codes in effect at that time.   __ Homeowners' Association or maintenance fees or assessments.   __ Any "common area" (facilities such as pools, tennis courts, walkways, or other areas) co-owned in undivided interest with others.   __ Any notices of violations of deed restrictions or governmental ordinances affecting the condition or use of the Property.   __ Any lawsuits directly or indirectly affecting the Property.   __ Any condition on the Property which materially affects the physical health or safety of an individual.   __ Any rainwater harvesting system located on the property that is larger than 500 gallons and that uses a public water supply as an auxiliary water source.   __ Any portion of the property that is located in a groundwater conservation district or a subsidence district.   If the answer to any of the above is yes, explain.  (Attach   additional sheets if necessary):  ______________________________   ________________________________________________________________   ________________________________________________________________   10.  If the property is located in a coastal area that is seaward of   the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway or within 1,000 feet of the mean high   tide bordering the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico], the property   may be subject to the Open Beaches Act or the Dune Protection Act   (Chapter 61 or 63, Natural Resources Code, respectively) and a   beachfront construction certificate or dune protection permit may   be required for repairs or improvements.  Contact the local   government with ordinance authority over construction adjacent to   public beaches for more information.   11.  This property may be located near a military installation and   may be affected by high noise or air installation compatible use   zones or other operations.  Information relating to high noise and   compatible use zones is available in the most recent Air   Installation Compatible Use Zone Study or Joint Land Use Study   prepared for a military installation and may be accessed on the   Internet website of the military installation and of the county and   any municipality in which the military installation is located.   _______________        ________________________________________   Date                    Signature of Seller   The undersigned purchaser hereby acknowledges receipt of the   foregoing notice.   _______________        ________________________________________   Date                    Signature of Purchaser          SECTION 13.02.  Section 204.002(a), Property Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  This chapter applies only to a residential real estate   subdivision, excluding a condominium development governed by Title   7 that is located in whole or in part:                (1)  in a county with a population of 3.3 million or   more;                (2)  in a county with a population of not less than   315,000 and not more than 351,000 that is adjacent to the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico] and that is adjacent to a county having a   population of 3.3 million or more; or                (3)  in a county with a population of 275,000 or more   that:                      (A)  is adjacent to a county with a population of   3.3 million or more; and                      (B)  contains part of a national forest.   ARTICLE 14. PARKS AND WILDLIFE CODE PROVISIONS          SECTION 14.01.  Section 1.011(c), Parks and Wildlife Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (c)  All the beds and bottoms and the products of the beds and   bottoms of the public rivers, bayous, lagoons, creeks, lakes, bays,   and inlets in this state and of that part of the Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico] within the jurisdiction of this state are the   property of this state. The state may permit the use of the waters   and bottoms and the taking of the products of the bottoms and   waters.          SECTION 14.02.  Section 13.023(a), Parks and Wildlife Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  The department shall:                (1)  during reasonable daylight hours, as established   and posted by the department, from Memorial Day to Labor Day,   provide:                      (A)  occupied lifeguard towers or mobile   lifeguard units on each side of each pier, jetty, or other structure   that protrudes into the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] that is   located within a state park; or                      (B)  a single occupied lifeguard tower or mobile   lifeguard unit at each pier, jetty, or other structure that   protrudes into the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] that is located   within a state park if the single tower provides an unobstructed   view of both sides of each structure; and                (2)  post within 100 yards of each side of each   structure described by Subdivision (1) signs clearly describing the   dangerous water conditions that may occur near the structure.          SECTION 14.03.  Section 13.314, Parks and Wildlife Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 13.314.  COMPLIANCE IN FISHERY MANAGEMENT. The   department may cooperate and contract with the Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico] Fishery Management Council or the National Marine   Fisheries Service for conduct of such work as may be necessary in   complying with requirements of the Fishery Conservation and   Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C.A. Section 1801 et seq.).          SECTION 14.04.  Section 21.111(c), Parks and Wildlife Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (c)  If any state park site includes a public beach on the   seaward shore of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico], extending   from the line of mean low tide to the line of vegetation, over which   the public has acquired a right of use or easement to or over the   area by prescription or dedication or has retained a right by virtue   of continuous right in the public, no entrance or gate fee may be   charged to persons desiring to enter or to leave the public beach   area, so long as the persons do not enter any other portion of the   park for which an entrance or gate fee is charged.          SECTION 14.05.  Section 43.402(a), Parks and Wildlife Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b) or (c) of this   section, no person may engage in fishing in saltwater for sporting   purposes in this state, or unload in this state fish or other   aquatic life taken for sporting purposes from waters managed by the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] Fishery Management Council   established under the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of   1976 (16 U.S.C. Section 1801 et seq.), unless the person has   acquired a saltwater sportfishing stamp endorsement issued to the   person by the department. The commission by rule may prescribe   requirements relating to possessing a stamp endorsement required by   this subchapter.          SECTION 14.06.  Section 46.001(a), Parks and Wildlife Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  No person may fish in the public water of this state, or   unload in this state fish or other aquatic life taken for sporting   purposes from waters managed by the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]   Fishery Management Council established under the Magnuson-Stevens   Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. Section 1801 et   seq.), unless the person has acquired a fishing license issued   under this subchapter, except as provided by Sections 46.0012 and   46.002. The commission by rule may prescribe requirements relating   to possessing a license required by this subchapter.          SECTION 14.07.  Section 47.001(7), Parks and Wildlife Code,   is amended to read as follows:                (7)  "Tidal water" means all the salt water of this   state, including that portion of the state's territorial water in   the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] within three marine leagues   from shore.          SECTION 14.08.  Sections 47.038(a) and (a-1), Parks and   Wildlife Code, are amended to read as follows:          (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (a-1), nets or purse   seines used for catching menhaden may not be:                (1)  less than one and one-half inch stretched mesh,   excluding the bag;                (2)  used in any bay, river, pass, or tributary, nor   within one mile of any barrier, jetty, island, or pass, nor within   one-half mile offshore in the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]; or                (3)  used for the purpose of taking edible aquatic   products for the purpose of barter, sale, or exchange.          (a-1)  The holder of a Class C menhaden boat license issued   under Section 47.008 may use a cast net, as defined by the   commission, to catch menhaden in any coastal bay, river, or   tributary landward from the shoreline of the state along the coast   of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico].          SECTION 14.09.  Sections 62.0061(a) and (b), Parks and   Wildlife Code, are amended to read as follows:          (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), a person may not   hunt or take any wild animal or wild bird when the person is on or   over privately owned land that is:                (1)  submerged under:                      (A)  public fresh water due to seasonal or   occasional innundation; or                      (B)  public salt water and located above the mean   high tide line of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] and its bays   and estuaries; and                (2)  conspicuously marked as privately owned by a sign   or signs that are substantially similar to the following:     POSTED. PRIVATE PROPERTY. NO HUNTING.          (b)  This section does not apply to:                (1)  fishing or to fish and other aquatic life;                (2)  a person who:                      (A)  owns the submerged land; or                      (B)  obtains the landowner's consent;                (3)  land that is dedicated to the permanent school   fund and that is located within:                      (A)  the tidewater limits of this state; or                      (B)  the gradient boundaries of a navigable river   or stream in this state; or                (4)  land that is:                      (A)  submerged by public water; and                      (B)  located below the mean high tide line of the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] and its bays and estuaries.          SECTION 14.10.  Section 66.015(a), Parks and Wildlife Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  In this section, "public water" means the bays,   estuaries, and water of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] within   the jurisdiction of the state, and the rivers, streams, creeks,   bayous, reservoirs, lakes, and portions of those waters where   public access is available without discrimination.          SECTION 14.11.  Sections 66.204(a) and (b), Parks and   Wildlife Code, are amended to read as follows:          (a)  The commission by proclamation may regulate the   placement of obstructions, traps, and mooring in fish passes and   the marking of restricted areas in any natural or artificial pass   that is opened, reopened, dredged, excavated, constructed, or   maintained by the department as a fish pass between the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico] and an inland bay.          (b)  No person may operate, possess, or moor a vessel or   other floating device, or may place any piling, wire, rope, cable,   net, trap, or other obstruction, in a natural or artificial pass   opened, reopened, dredged, excavated, constructed, or maintained   by the department as a fish pass between the Gulf of America [Gulf   of Mexico] and an inland bay within the distance inside the pass   from the mouth of the pass where it empties into the Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico] to a marker or sign erected by the department   indicating the restricted area.          SECTION 14.12.  Section 66.301, Parks and Wildlife Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 66.301.  DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "coastal   water" means all of the salt water of this state, including that   portion of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] within the   jurisdiction of this state.          SECTION 14.13.  Sections 77.001(1), (2), (3), and (13),   Parks and Wildlife Code, are amended to read as follows:                (1)  "Coastal water" means all the salt water of this   state, including that portion of the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico] within the jurisdiction of the state.                (2)  "Inside water" means all bays, inlets, outlets,   passes, rivers, streams, and other bodies of water landward from   the shoreline of the state along the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico] and contiguous to, or connected with, but not a part of, the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] and within which the tide regularly   rises and falls and in which saltwater shrimp are found or into   which saltwater shrimp migrate.                (3)  "Outside water" means the salt water of the state   contiguous to and seaward from the shoreline of the state along the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] as the shoreline is projected and   extended in a continuous and unbroken line, following the contours   of the shoreline, across bays, inlets, outlets, passes, rivers,   streams, and other bodies of water; and that portion of the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico] extending from the shoreline seaward and   within the jurisdiction of the state.                (13)  "Contiguous zone," means that area of the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico] lying adjacent to and offshore of the   jurisdiction of the State of Texas and in which shrimp of the genus   Penaeus are found.          SECTION 14.14.  Section 77.072, Parks and Wildlife Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 77.072.  SHRIMP SIZE EXCEPTION. Minimum size   restrictions as provided in Chapter 77, Parks and Wildlife Code, as   amended, do not apply to shrimp taken from outside waters when:                (1)  the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] Fishery   Management Council's Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery   of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] is in effect; and                (2)  such plan as described in Subsection (a) of this   section restricts the taking of shrimp in the Fishery Conservation   Zone contiguous to the outside waters of Texas, to conform with the   Texas closed Gulf season as defined in Sections 77.061(1) and   77.062 of this code.          SECTION 14.15.  Section 79.001, Parks and Wildlife Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 79.001.  COMPLIANCE. The department is authorized to   cooperate with the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] Fishery   Management Council established pursuant to the Fishery   Conservation and Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C.A. Section 1801   et seq.), in developing state management programs which are   consistent with plans proposed by the council and approved by the   secretary of commerce.          SECTION 14.16.  Section 86.0151(a), Parks and Wildlife Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  A nonprofit corporation, fund, or foundation exempted   from federal income taxes under Section 503(c)(3), Internal Revenue   Code of 1954, as amended (26 U.S.C. Sec. 503(c)(3)), may take sand,   gravel, marl, shell, and mudshell from Brown Cedar Cut in Matagorda   County for the sole purpose of opening and reopening that passage   between the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] and East Matagorda Bay.          SECTION 14.17.  Section 86.0152(a), Parks and Wildlife Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  A nonprofit corporation, fund, or foundation exempted   from federal income taxes under Section 501(c)(3), Internal Revenue   Code of 1954, as amended (26 U.S.C. Sec. 501(c)(3)), or a political   subdivision of the state may take sand, gravel, marl, shell, and   mudshell from Cedar Bayou in Aransas County for the sole purpose of   opening and reopening that passage between the Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico] and Mesquite Bay.          SECTION 14.18.  Section 91.008, Parks and Wildlife Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 91.008.  TEXT OF COMPACT. The Gulf States Marine   Fisheries Compact reads as follows:   GULF STATES MARINE FISHERIES COMPACT          The contracting states solemnly agree:   ARTICLE I          Whereas the Gulf Coast States have the proprietary interest   in and jurisdiction over fisheries in the waters within their   respective boundaries, it is the purpose of this compact to promote   the better utilization of the fisheries, marine, shell and   anadromous, of the seaboard of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico],   by the development of a joint program for the promotion and   protection of such fisheries and the prevention of the physical   waste of the fisheries from any cause.   ARTICLE II          This compact shall become operative immediately as to those   states ratifying it whenever any two or more of the states of   Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas have ratified it   and the Congress has given its consent, pursuant to Article I,   Section 10 of the Constitution of the United States. Any state   contiguous to any of the aforementioned states or riparian upon   waters which flow into waters under the jurisdiction of any of the   aforementioned States and which are frequented by anadromous fish   or marine species, may become a party hereto as hereinafter   provided.   ARTICLE III          Each state joining herein shall appoint three   representatives to a commission hereby constituted and designated   as the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. One shall be the   head of the administrative agency of such State charged with the   conservation of the fishery resources to which this compact   pertains; or, if there be more than one officer or agency, the   official of that State named by the Governor thereof. The second   shall be a member of the Legislature of such State designated by   such Legislature, or in the absence of such designation, such   legislator shall be designated by the Governor thereof; provided   that if it is constitutionally impossible to appoint a legislator   as a commissioner from such State, the second member shall be   appointed in such manner as may be established by law. The third   shall be a citizen who shall have a knowledge of and interest in the   marine fisheries, to be appointed by the Governor. This commission   shall be a body corporate with the powers and duties set forth   herein.   ARTICLE IV          The duty of the said commission shall be to make inquiry and   ascertain from time to time such methods, practices, circumstances   and conditions as may be disclosed for bringing about the   conservation and the prevention of the depletion and physical waste   of the fisheries, marine, shell and anadromous, of the Gulf Coast.   The commission shall have power to recommend the coordination of   the exercise of the police powers of the several States within their   respective jurisdictions to promote the preservation of these   fisheries and their protection against over-fishing, waste,   depletion or any abuse whatsoever, and to assure a continuing yield   from the fishery resources of the aforementioned States. To that   end the commission shall draft and recommend to the Governors and   Legislatures of the various signatory States, legislation dealing   with the conservation of the marine, shell and anadromous fisheries   of the Gulf seaboard. The commission shall from time to time   present to the Governor of each compacting State its   recommendations relating to enactments to be presented to the   Legislature of that State in furthering the interest and purposes   of this compact. The commission shall consult with and advise the   pertinent administrative agencies in the States party hereto with   regard to problems connected with the fisheries, and recommend the   adoption of such regulations as it deems advisable. The commission   shall have power to recommend to the States party hereto the   stocking of the waters of such States with fish and fish eggs or   joint stocking by some or all of the States party hereto, and when   two or more States shall jointly stock waters the commission shall   act as the coordinating agency for such stocking.   ARTICLE V          The commission shall elect from its number a chairman and   vice-chairman and shall appoint, and at its pleasure remove or   discharge, such officers and employees as may be required to carry   the provisions of this compact into effect and shall fix and   determine their duties, qualifications and compensation. Said   commission shall adopt rules and regulations for the conduct of its   business. It may establish and maintain one or more offices for the   transaction of its business, and may meet at any time or place; but   must meet at least once a year.   ARTICLE VI          No action shall be taken by the commission in regard to its   general affairs except by the affirmative vote of a majority of the   whole number of compacting States. No recommendation shall be made   by the commission in regard to any species of fish except by the   affirmative vote of a majority of the compacting States which have   an interest in such species. The commission shall define what shall   be an interest.   ARTICLE VII          The Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the   Interior of the Government of the United States shall act as the   primary research agency of the Gulf States Marine Fisheries   Commission, cooperating with the research agencies in each State   for that purpose. Representatives of the said Fish and Wildlife   Service shall attend the meetings of the commission. An advisory   committee to be representative of the commercial salt water   fishermen and the salt water anglers and such other interests of   each State as the commissioners deem advisable may be established   by the commissioners from each State for the purpose of advising   those commissioners upon such recommendations as it may desire to   make.   ARTICLE VIII          When any State, other than those named specifically in   Article II of this compact, shall become a party hereto for the   purpose of conserving its anadromous fish or marine species in   accordance with the provisions of Article II, the participation of   such State in the action of the commission shall be limited to such   species of fish.   ARTICLE IX          Nothing in this compact shall be construed to limit the   powers of the proprietary interest of any signatory State, or to   repeal or prevent the enactment of any legislation or the   enforcement of any requirement by a signatory State, imposing   additional conditions and restrictions to conserve its fisheries.   ARTICLE X          It is agreed that any two or more States party hereto may   further amend this compact by acts of their respective   Legislatures, subject to approval of Congress as provided in   Article I, Section X, of the Constitution of the United States, to   designate the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission as a joint   regulating authority for the joint regulation of specific fisheries   affecting only such States as shall so compact, and at their joint   expense. The representatives of such States shall constitute a   separate section of the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission for   the exercise of the additional powers so granted, but the creation   of such section shall not be deemed to deprive the States so   compacting of any of their privileges or powers in the Gulf States   Marine Fisheries Commission as constituted under the other Articles   of this compact.   ARTICLE XI          Continued absence of representation or of any representative   on the commission from any State party hereto, shall be brought to   the attention of the Governor thereof.   ARTICLE XII          The operating expenses of the Gulf States Marine Fisheries   Commission shall be borne by the States party hereto. Such initial   appropriation as set forth below shall be made available yearly   until modified as hereinafter provided:     Florida $3,500.00   Alabama 1,000.00   Mississippi 1,000.00   Louisiana 5,000.00   Texas 2,500.00   Total $13,000.00          The proration and total cost per annum of Thirteen Thousand   ($13,000.00) Dollars, above mentioned, is estimative only, for   initial operations, and may be changed when found necessary by the   commission and approved by the Legislatures of the respective   States. Each State party hereto agrees to provide in the manner   most acceptable to it, the travel costs and necessary expenses of   its commissioners and other representatives to and from meetings of   the commission or its duly constituted sections or committees.   ARTICLE XIII          This compact shall continue in force and remain binding upon   each compacting State until renounced by Act of the Legislature of   such State, in such form as it may choose; provided that such   renunciation shall not become effective until six months after the   effective date of the action taken by the Legislature. Notice of   such renunciation shall be given the other States party hereto by   the Secretary of State of compacting State so renouncing upon   passage of the Act.   ARTICLE 15. SPECIAL DISTRICT LOCAL LAWS PROVISIONS          SECTION 15.01.  Section 5002.151(3), Special District Local   Laws Code, is amended to read as follows:                (3)  "Protected zone" means the portion of the   corporate limits of the City of Freeport as they exist on September   1, 2023, that lies:                      (A)  within the enclosed space bounded by   beginning at the intersection of State Highway 36 and the center of   the Brazos River, then north along the center of the Brazos River to   the intersection of the center of the Brazos River and the center of   the DOW fresh water canal, then north and east along the center of   the DOW fresh water canal to the intersection of the center of the   DOW fresh water canal and Farm-to-Market Road 1495, then south   along Farm-to-Market Road 1495 to the intersection of   Farm-to-Market Road 1495 and State Highway 36, and then west along   State Highway 36 to the intersection of State Highway 36 and the   center of the Brazos River;                      (B)  within Brazoria County 2020 United States   Census tract 664501 blocks 2027, 2032, and 2034;                      (C)  within the enclosed space bounded by   beginning at the intersection of Farm-to-Market Road 1495 and the   Intracoastal Waterway, then west along the Intracoastal Waterway to   the intersection of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Brazos River,   then south along the Brazos River to the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico], then east along the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] to the   intersection of a line extending from the southern terminus of   Farm-to-Market Road 1495 due south to the intersection with the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico], and then due north to the   intersection of Farm-to-Market Road 1495 and the Intracoastal   Waterway;                      (D)  adjacent to the old Brazos River channel and   inside the floodgate, which is zoned as a W-1 District under the   zoning ordinance, and bounded by Farm-to-Market Road 1495 on the   west;                      (E)  within the portion of Brazoria County 2020   United States Census tract 664200 blocks 2059, 2060, and 2061 that   lies within 3,500 feet of the centerline of State Highway 332;                      (F)  within the 13.316 acre tract of land   described in that certain Deed recorded in Volume 11199, at Page 471   of the Brazoria County Real Property Records; or                      (G)  within the 56.751 acre tract of land   described in that certain Deed of Exchange recorded in Volume   86286, at Page 927 of the Brazoria County Real Property Records.          SECTION 15.02.  Section 5002.201(a), Special District Local   Laws Code, is amended to read as follows:          (a)  This section applies only to property:                (1)  owned or leased by the district; and                (2)  located in:                      (A)  the district; and                      (B)  the boundaries or extraterritorial   jurisdiction of a municipality with a population of less than   20,000 that is wholly located in the district and whose corporate   limits border the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico].          SECTION 15.03.  Section 5002.205(a), Special District Local   Laws Code, is amended to read as follows:          (a)  This section applies only to a municipality with a   population of more than 5,000 that is wholly located in the district   and to property:                (1)  owned or leased by the district;                (2)  located in the district and within seven miles of   the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]; and                (3)  located in the corporate limits or   extraterritorial jurisdiction of a municipality that is subject to   this section.          SECTION 15.04.  Section 5201.005(b), Special District Local   Laws Code, is amended to read as follows:          (b)  The district may construct, acquire, improve, operate,   or maintain a road facility:                (1)  in the district;                (2)  from a point in the district to a point outside of   the district in Galveston County; or                (3)  from a point in the district in, over, through, or   under the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] or a bay or inlet opening   into the gulf to a point outside of the district and located in   another county.   ARTICLE 16. TRANSPORTATION CODE PROVISIONS          SECTION 16.01.  Section 52.002(1), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:                (1)  "Adjacent coastal county" means a county bordering   the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] that has an onshore storage   facility for a deepwater port for which an application has been   filed.          SECTION 16.02.  Section 54.001, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 54.001.  APPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER. This chapter   applies only to a municipality that:                (1)  is located on:                      (A)  the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]; or                      (B)  a channel, canal, bay, or inlet connected to   that gulf; and                (2)  has a population of more than 5,000.          SECTION 16.03.  Section 61.002(6), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:                (6)  "Port" means a place in this state into which a   vessel enters or from which a vessel departs.  If the port connects   to the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico], "port" includes the   waterway leading from the port to the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico].          SECTION 16.04.  Section 61.006, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 61.006.  BOARD JURISDICTION. A board has exclusive   jurisdiction over piloting of vessels in this state between the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] and the ports in the board's   jurisdiction.          SECTION 16.05.  Section 62.024, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 62.024.  JURISDICTION. The pilot board of a navigation   district has exclusive jurisdiction over the pilotage of a vessel   between the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] and a port of the   navigation district, including an intermediate stop or landing   place on a navigable stream in the district.          SECTION 16.06.  Section 66.002(3), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:                (3)  "Harris County port" means a place in Harris   County into which a vessel enters or from which a vessel departs and   the waterway leading to that place from the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico].          SECTION 16.07.  Section 67.002(3), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:                (3)  "Galveston County port" means a place in Galveston   County into which a vessel enters or from which a vessel departs and   the waterway leading to that place from the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico].          SECTION 16.08.  Section 68.002(2), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:                (2)  "Brazoria County port" means a place in Brazoria   County into which a vessel enters or from which a vessel departs and   the waterway leading to that place from the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico].          SECTION 16.09.  Section 69.002(3), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:                (3)  "Jefferson or Orange County port" means a place in   Jefferson or Orange County into which a vessel enters or from which   a vessel departs and the waterway leading to that place from the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico].          SECTION 16.10.  Section 69.064(8), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:                (8)  the relationship between pilotage rates in   Jefferson or Orange County ports and the rates applicable in other   ports of this state and in competitive ports in other states   bordering the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico].          SECTION 16.11.  Section 70.002(3), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:                (3)  "Port of Corpus Christi" means a place into which a   vessel enters or from which a vessel departs and the waterway   leading to that place from the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]   under the jurisdiction of the Port of Corpus Christi Authority.          SECTION 16.12.  Section 283.001(4), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:                (4)  "Project" means a causeway, bridge, or tunnel,   including a necessary approach, fixture, accessory, or equipment   that:                      (A)  is located in one county; and                      (B)  traverses or lies under the water of the Gulf   of America [Gulf of Mexico], including a bay or inlet opening.          SECTION 16.13.  Section 283.002, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 283.002.  APPLICABILITY. This chapter applies only to   a county that:                (1)  borders on the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico];   and                (2)  has a population of at least 20,000 as determined   before the issuance of bonds under this chapter.          SECTION 16.14.  Section 284.002(a), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), this chapter   applies only to a county that:                (1)  has a population of 50,000 or more and borders the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] or a bay or inlet opening into the   gulf;                (2)  has a population of 2.5 million or more;                (3)  is adjacent to a county that has a population of   2.5 million or more; or                (4)  borders the United Mexican States.          SECTION 16.15.  Section 341.002, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 341.002.  GENERAL AUTHORITY TO ACT. Subject to Chapter   33, Natural Resources Code, an individual, corporation, or   association may purchase, build, own, maintain, and operate a   structure across an arm, inlet, or saltwater bay of the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico] located entirely in this state to provide a   causeway for vehicles, pedestrians, and railroads.          SECTION 16.16.  Section 342.001(a), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  The department may purchase, construct, maintain,   operate, or control a ferry that crosses:                (1)  a bay, arm, channel, or saltwater lake emptying   into the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico];                (2)  an inlet of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico];   or                (3)  a river or other navigable body of water.          SECTION 16.17.  Section 463.002, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 463.002.  APPLICATION. This chapter applies to:                (1)  a county that is contiguous to the Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico] or a bay or inlet opening into the gulf and that   borders the United Mexican States; and                (2)  a county that borders a county described by   Subdivision (1).          SECTION 16.18.  Section 551.404(c), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (c)  Subsection (b) applies only to a county that:                (1)  borders or contains a portion of the Red River; or                (2)  borders the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] and   has a population of less than 500,000.          SECTION 16.19.  Section 551A.001(2), Transportation Code,   is amended to read as follows:                (2)  "Beach" means a beach area, publicly or privately   owned, that borders the seaward shore of the Gulf of America [Gulf   of Mexico].          SECTION 16.20.  Section 551A.053(c), Transportation Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (c)  Subsection (b) applies only to a county that:                (1)  borders or contains a portion of the Red River;                (2)  borders or contains a portion of the Guadalupe   River and contains a part of a barrier island that borders the Gulf   of America [Gulf of Mexico]; or                (3)  is adjacent to a county described by Subdivision   (2) and:                      (A)  has a population of less than 37,000; and                      (B)  contains a part of a barrier island or   peninsula that borders the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico].          SECTION 16.21.  Section 623.210, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 623.210.  OPTIONAL PROCEDURE. This subchapter provides   an optional procedure for the issuance of a permit for the movement   of oversize or overweight vehicles carrying cargo on state highways   located in counties:                (1)  contiguous to the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]   or a bay or inlet opening into the gulf and:                      (A)  adjacent to at least two counties with a   population of 550,000 or more; or                      (B)  bordering the United Mexican States; or                (2)  contiguous to the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]   or a bay or inlet opening into the gulf with a population of not more   than 200,000 and adjacent to a county described by Subdivision   (1)(A).          SECTION 16.22.  Section 623.212, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 623.212.  PERMITS BY PORT AUTHORITY. The commission   may authorize a port authority to issue permits for the movement of   oversize or overweight vehicles carrying cargo on state highways   located in counties:                (1)  contiguous to the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]   or a bay or inlet opening into the gulf and:                      (A)  adjacent to at least two counties with a   population of 550,000 or more; or                      (B)  bordering the United Mexican States; or                (2)  contiguous to the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]   or a bay or inlet opening into the gulf with a population of not more   than 200,000 and adjacent to a county described by Subdivision   (1)(A).          SECTION 16.23.  Section 623.219(b-1), Transportation Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (b-1)  For a permit issued by a port authority contiguous to   the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] or a bay or inlet opening into   the gulf with a population of not more than 200,000 that is adjacent   to a county described in Subsection (b), the commission shall, with   the consent of the port authority, designate the most direct route   from:                (1)  the Matagorda County line to the entrance of the   Port of Palacios using State Highway 35;                (2)  the Matagorda County line to the entrance of the   Port of Palacios using State Highway 60;                (3)  the Matagorda County line to the entrance of the   Port of Palacios using FM 521; and                (4)  the Matagorda County line to the entrance of the   Port of Palacios using State Highway 71.          SECTION 16.24.  Section 623.406(b), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (b)  The transportation of a sealed intermodal shipping   container under a permit issued under this subchapter:                (1)  must begin or end at a port authority or port of   entry that is located in a county contiguous to the Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico] or a bay or inlet opening into the gulf; and                (2)  may not exceed 30 miles from the port authority or   port of entry and must be on a highway or road described by Section   623.405(b).          SECTION 16.25.  Section 644.101(b), Transportation Code, as   amended by Chapters 584 (H.B. 2901), 644 (H.B. 4559), and 1072 (S.B.   540), Acts of the 88th Legislature, Regular Session, 2023, is   reenacted and amended to read as follows:          (b)  A police officer of any of the following municipalities   is eligible to apply for certification under this section:                (1)  a municipality with a population of 50,000 or   more;                (2)  a municipality with a population of 25,000 or more   any part of which is located in a county with a population of   500,000 or more;                (3)  a municipality with a population of less than   25,000:                      (A)  any part of which is located in a county with   a population of 3.3 million; and                      (B)  that contains or is adjacent to an   international port;                (4)  a municipality with a population of at least   34,000 that is located in a county that borders two or more states;                (5)  a municipality any part of which is located in a   county bordering the United Mexican States;                (6)  a municipality with a population of less than   5,000 that is located:                      (A)  adjacent to a bay connected to the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico]; and                      (B)  in a county adjacent to a county with a   population greater than 3.3 million;                (7)  a municipality that is located:                      (A)  within 25 miles of an international port; and                      (B)  in a county that does not contain a highway   that is part of the national system of interstate and defense   highways and is adjacent to a county with a population greater than   3.3 million;                (8)  a municipality with a population of less than   8,500 that:                      (A)  is the county seat; and                      (B)  contains a highway that is part of the   national system of interstate and defense highways;                (9)  a municipality located in a county with a   population between 60,000 and 69,000 adjacent to a bay connected to   the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico];                (10)  a municipality with a population of more than   40,000 and less than 50,000 that is located in a county with a   population of more than 285,000 and less than 300,000 that borders   the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico];                (11)  a municipality with a population between 32,000   and 50,000 that is located entirely in a county that:                      (A)  has a population of less than 250,000;                      (B)  is adjacent to two counties that each have a   population of more than 1.2 million; and                      (C)  contains two highways that are part of the   national system of interstate and defense highways;                (12)  a municipality with a population of more than   4,500 and less than 10,000 that:                      (A)  contains a highway that is part of the   national system of interstate and defense highways; and                      (B)  is located in a county with a population   between 175,000 and 190,000;                (13)  a municipality with a population of less than   75,000 that is located in three counties, at least one of which has   a population greater than 3.3 million;                (14)  a municipality with a population between 13,900   and 17,000 that:                      (A)  contains three or more numbered United States   highways; and                      (B)  is located in a county that is adjacent to a   county with a population of more than 200,000;                (15)  a municipality with a population of less than   50,000 that is located in:                      (A)  a county that generated $20 million or more   in tax revenue collected under Chapters 201 and 202, Tax Code, from   oil and gas production during the preceding state fiscal year; or                      (B)  a county that is adjacent to two or more   counties described by Paragraph (A); [or]                (16)  a municipality with a population of more than   2,000 that is located in a county:                      (A)  with a population of less than 200,000; and                      (B)  that borders:                            (i)  another state; and                            (ii)  the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway; or                (17) [(16)]  a municipality that is located:                      (A)  within 20 miles of an international airport;   and                      (B)  in a county that:                            (i)  contains an active quarry;                            (ii)  has a population of more than 150,000   but less than 170,000; and                            (iii)  is adjacent to a county with a   population of more than two million.          SECTION 16.26.  Section 729.001(b), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (b)  In this section, "beach" means a beach bordering on the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] that extends inland from the line   of mean low tide to the natural line of vegetation bordering on the   seaward shore of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico], or the larger   contiguous area to which the public has acquired a right of use or   easement to or over by prescription, dedication, or estoppel, or   has retained a right by virtue of continuous right in the public   since time immemorial as recognized by law or custom.          SECTION 16.27.  The heading to Section 750.002,   Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 750.002.  SPEED OF VEHICLE IN PARK IN COUNTY BORDERING   GULF OF AMERICA [GULF OF MEXICO].          SECTION 16.28.  Section 750.002(a), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  A person commits an offense if the person drives a   vehicle at a speed greater than 30 miles per hour within the   boundaries of a county park located in a county that borders on the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico], other than on a beach as that term   is defined by Section 61.012, Natural Resources Code, in the park.   ARTICLE 17. TAX CODE PROVISIONS          SECTION 17.01.  Sections 11.271(b) and (c), Tax Code, are   amended to read as follows:          (b)  An owner or lessee of a marine or mobile drilling unit   designed for offshore drilling of oil or gas wells is entitled to an   exemption from taxation of the drilling unit if the drilling unit:                (1)  is being stored in a county bordering on the Gulf   of America [Gulf of Mexico] or on a bay or other body of water   immediately adjacent to the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico];                (2)  is not being stored for the sole purpose of repair   or maintenance; and                (3)  is not being used to drill a well at the location   at which it is being stored.          (c)  A person is entitled to an exemption from taxation of   the personal property the person owns or leases that is used,   constructed, acquired, stored, or installed solely as part of an   offshore spill response containment system, or that is used solely   for the development, improvement, storage, deployment, repair,   maintenance, or testing of such a system, if the system is being   stored while not in use in a county bordering on the Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico] or on a bay or other body of water immediately   adjacent to the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]. Property   described by this subsection and not used for any other purpose is   considered to be property used wholly as an integral part of mobile   or marine drilling equipment designed for offshore drilling of oil   or gas wells.          SECTION 17.02.  Section 31.03(d), Tax Code, is amended to   read as follows:          (d)  This subsection applies only to a taxing unit located in   a county having a population of not less than 315,000 and not more   than 351,000 that borders a county having a population of 3.3   million or more and the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico].  The   governing body of a taxing unit that has its taxes collected by   another taxing unit that has adopted the split-payment option under   Subsection (a) may provide, in the manner required by law for   official action by the body, that the split-payment option does not   apply to the taxing unit's taxes collected by the other taxing unit.          SECTION 17.03.  Section 41.44(c-1), Tax Code, is amended to   read as follows:          (c-1)  A property owner who files a notice of protest after   the deadline prescribed by Subsection (a) but before the taxes on   the property to which the notice applies become delinquent is   entitled to a hearing and determination of the protest if the   property owner was continuously employed in the Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico], including employment on an offshore drilling or   production facility or on a vessel, for a period of not less than 20   days during which the deadline prescribed by Subsection (a) passed,   and the property owner provides the appraisal review board with   evidence of that fact through submission of a letter from the   property owner's employer or supervisor or, if the property owner   is self-employed, a sworn affidavit.          SECTION 17.04.  Section 156.2512(c)(1), Tax Code, is amended   to read as follows:                (1)  "Eligible barrier island coastal municipality"   means a municipality:                      (A)  that borders on the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico];                      (B)  that is located wholly or partly on a barrier   island; and                      (C)  that:                            (i)  includes an institution of higher   education that is part of the Texas Coastal Ocean Observation   Network under Section 33.065, Natural Resources Code;                            (ii)  includes a national estuarine research   reserve;                            (iii)  is located within 30 miles of the   United Mexican States; or                            (iv)  has a population of less than 10,000   and is located in a county with a population of at least 370,000   that is adjacent to a county with a population of at least   3,000,000.          SECTION 17.05.  Section 156.252(a), Tax Code, is amended to   read as follows:          (a)  In this section, "coastal county" means any county   adjacent to:                (1)  the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]; or                (2)  Corpus Christi Bay.          SECTION 17.06.  Section 321.101(g), Tax Code, is amended to   read as follows:          (g)  For the purposes of Subsection (f), "territory" in a   municipality having a population of 5,000 or less and bordering on   the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] does not include any area   covered by water and in which no person has a place of business to   which a sales tax permit issued under Subchapter F of Chapter 151   applies.          SECTION 17.07.  Sections 351.001(3), (7), and (11), Tax   Code, are amended to read as follows:                (3)  "Eligible coastal municipality" means:                      (A)  a home-rule municipality that borders on the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] and has a population of less than   80,000; or                      (B)  a municipality that borders on the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico] and has a population of less than 1,500.                (7)  "Eligible central municipality" means:                      (A)  a municipality with a population of more than   140,000 but less than 1.5 million that is located in a county with a   population of one million or more and that has adopted a capital   improvement plan for the construction or expansion of a convention   center facility;                      (B)  a municipality with a population of 250,000   or more that:                            (i)  is located wholly or partly on a barrier   island that borders the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico];                            (ii)  is located in a county with a   population of 300,000 or more; and                            (iii)  has adopted a capital improvement   plan to expand an existing convention center facility;                      (C)  a municipality with a population of 200,000   or more that:                            (i)  is located in two counties both of which   have a population of 900,000 or more; and                            (ii)  has adopted a capital improvement plan   for the construction or expansion of a convention center facility;                      (D)  a municipality with a population of less than   50,000 that contains a general academic teaching institution that   is not a component institution of a university system, as those   terms are defined by Section 61.003, Education Code; or                      (E)  a municipality with a population of 640,000   or more that:                            (i)  is located on an international border;   and                            (ii)  has adopted a capital improvement plan   for the construction or expansion of a convention center facility.                (11)  "Eligible barrier island coastal municipality"   means a municipality:                      (A)  that borders on the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico];                      (B)  that is located wholly on a barrier island;   and                      (C)  the boundaries of which are within 30 miles   of the United Mexican States.          SECTION 17.08.  Section 351.003(c), Tax Code, is amended to   read as follows:          (c)  The rate in a municipality that borders on the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico] and has a population of more than 250,000   or in a municipality with a population of less than 5,000 adjacent   to a home-rule city with a population of less than 80,000 may not   exceed nine percent of the price paid for a room.          SECTION 17.09.  Section 351.102(e), Tax Code, is amended to   read as follows:          (e)  Subsection (b) applies only to:                (1)  a municipality with a population of two million or   more;                (2)  a municipality with a population of 700,000 or   more but less than 1.4 million;                (3)  a municipality with a population of 350,000 or   more but less than 450,000 in which at least two professional sports   stadiums are located, each of which:                      (A)  has a seating capacity of at least 40,000   people; and                      (B)  was approved by the voters of the   municipality as a sports and community venue project under Chapter   334, Local Government Code; and                (4)  a municipality with a population of less than   2,000 that:                      (A)  is located adjacent to a bay connected to the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico];                      (B)  is located in a county with a population of   290,000 or more that is adjacent to a county with a population of   four million or more; and                      (C)  has a boardwalk on the bay.          SECTION 17.10.  Section 351.1055(b), Tax Code, is amended to   read as follows:          (b)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a   home-rule municipality that borders on the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico] and has a population of more than 250,000 may use all or any   portion of the revenue derived from the municipal hotel occupancy   tax from hotels in an area previously subject to a county hotel   occupancy tax and located on an island bordering the Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico] to clean and maintain public beaches in the   municipality.          SECTION 17.11.  Section 351.1066(a), Tax Code, is amended to   read as follows:          (a)  This section applies only to:                (1)  a municipality with a population of at least 3,500   but less than 5,500 that is the county seat of a county with a   population of less than 50,000 that borders a county with a   population of more than 1.6 million;                (2)  a municipality with a population of at least 2,800   but less than 3,500 that is the county seat of a county with a   population of less than 22,000 that is bordered by the Trinity River   and includes a state park and a portion of a wildlife management   area;                (3)  a municipality with a population of at least 8,000   that is located in a county that borders the Pecos River and that   has a population of not more than 15,000;                (4)  a municipality with a population of not more than   15,000 that is located in a county through which the Frio River   flows and an interstate highway crosses, and that has a population   of at least 15,000;                (5)  a municipality with a population of not less than   7,500 that is located in a county with a population of not less than   40,000 but less than 250,000 that is adjacent to a county with a   population of less than 750;                (6)  a municipality that is the county seat of a county   with a population of at least 8,500 and that county contains part of   the Chaparral Wildlife Management Area; and                (7)  a municipality that has a population of not more   than 25,000, that contains a cultural heritage museum, and that is   located in a county that borders the United Mexican States and the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico].          SECTION 17.12.  Sections 351.107(a) and (e), Tax Code, are   amended to read as follows:          (a)  This section applies only to a municipality that borders   on the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] and has a population of more   than 250,000.          (e)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a   municipality to which this section applies may use all or any   portion of the revenue derived from the municipal hotel occupancy   tax from hotels in an area previously subject to a county hotel   occupancy tax and located on an island bordering the Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico] to clean and maintain public beaches in the   municipality.          SECTION 17.13.  Section 351.10713(a), Tax Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (a)  This section applies only to a municipality that is the   county seat of a county:                (1)  that borders the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico];   and                (2)  through which the Colorado River flows.          SECTION 17.14.  Section 351.152, Tax Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 351.152.  APPLICABILITY. This subchapter applies only   to:                (1)  a municipality described by Section   351.001(7)(B);                (2)  a municipality described by Section   351.001(7)(D);                (3)  a municipality described by Section   351.001(7)(E);                (4)  a municipality described by Section   351.102(e)(3);                (5)  a municipality that contains more than 70 percent   of the population of a county with a population of 1.5 million or   more;                (6)  a municipality with a population of 175,000 or   more but less than 200,000 that is partially located in at least one   county with a population of 125,000 or more;                (7)  a municipality with a population of 250,000 or   more but less than one million that is located in one county with a   population of 2.5 million or more;                (8)  a municipality with a population of 180,000 or   more that:                      (A)  is located in two counties, each with a   population of 100,000 or more; and                      (B)  contains an American Quarter Horse Hall of   Fame and Museum;                (9)  a municipality with a population of 96,000 or more   that is located in a county that borders Lake Palestine;                (10)  a municipality with a population of 96,000 or   more that is located in a county that contains the headwaters of the   San Gabriel River;                (11)  a municipality with a population of at least   95,000 that is located in a county that is bisected by United States   Highway 385 and has a population of not more than 170,000;                (12)  a municipality with a population of 110,000 or   more but less than 135,000 at least part of which is located in a   county with a population of less than 135,000;                (13)  a municipality with a population of 28,000 or   more but less than 31,000 that is located in two counties, each of   which has a population of 900,000 or more and a southern border with   a county with a population of 2.5 million or more;                (14)  a municipality with a population of 200,000 or   more but less than 300,000 that contains a component institution of   the Texas Tech University System;                (15)  a municipality with a population of 95,000 or   more that:                      (A)  is located in more than one county; and                      (B)  borders Lake Lewisville;                (16)  a municipality with a population of 45,000 or   more that:                      (A)  contains a portion of Cedar Hill State Park;                      (B)  is located in two counties, one of which has a   population of 2.5 million or more and one of which has a population   of 190,000 or more; and                      (C)  has adopted a capital improvement plan for   the construction or expansion of a convention center facility;                (17)  a municipality with a population of less than   10,000 that:                      (A)  is almost wholly located in a county with a   population of 900,000 or more that is adjacent to a county with a   population of 2.5 million or more;                      (B)  is partially located in a county with a   population of 2.1 million or more that is adjacent to a county with   a population of 2.5 million or more;                      (C)  has a visitor center and museum located in a   19th-century rock building in the municipality's downtown; and                      (D)  has a waterpark open to the public;                (18)  a municipality with a population of 60,000 or   more that:                      (A)  borders Lake Ray Hubbard; and                      (B)  is located in two counties, one of which has a   population of less than 110,000;                (19)  a municipality with a population of 110,000 or   more that:                      (A)  borders Clear Lake; and                      (B)  is primarily located in a county with a   population of less than 355,000;                (20)  a municipality with a population of less than   2,000 that:                      (A)  is located adjacent to a bay connected to the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico];                      (B)  is located in a county with a population of   290,000 or more that is adjacent to a county with a population of   four million or more; and                      (C)  has a boardwalk on the bay;                (21)  a municipality with a population of 75,000 or   more that:                      (A)  is located wholly in one county with a   population of 800,000 or more that is adjacent to a county with a   population of four million or more; and                      (B)  has adopted a capital improvement plan for   the construction or expansion of a convention center facility;                (22)  a municipality with a population of less than   70,000 that is located in three counties, at least one of which has   a population of four million or more;                (23)  an eligible coastal municipality with a   population of 2,900 or more but less than 5,000;                (24)  a municipality with a population of 90,000 or   more but less than 150,000 that:                      (A)  is located in three counties; and                      (B)  contains a branch campus of a component   institution of the University of Houston System;                (25)  a municipality that is:                      (A)  primarily located in a county with a   population of four million or more; and                      (B)  connected by a bridge to a municipality   described by Subdivision (20);                (26)  a municipality with a population of 25,000 or   more but less than 30,000 that:                      (A)  contains a portion of Mustang Bayou; and                      (B)  is wholly located in a county with a   population of less than 500,000;                (27)  a municipality with a population of 70,000 or   more but less than 90,000 that is located in two counties, one of   which has a population of four million or more and the other of   which has a population of less than 50,000;                (28)  a municipality with a population of 10,000 or   more that:                      (A)  is wholly located in a county with a   population of four million or more; and                      (B)  has a city hall located less than three miles   from a space center operated by an agency of the federal government;                (29)  a municipality that is the county seat of a   county:                      (A)  through which the Pedernales River flows; and                      (B)  in which the birthplace of a president of the   United States is located;                (30)  a municipality that contains a portion of U.S.   Highway 79 and State Highway 130;                (31)  a municipality with a population of 70,000 or   more but less than 115,000 that is located in two counties, one of   which has a population of 1.1 million or more but less than 1.9   million;                (32)  a municipality with a population of less than   25,000 that contains a museum of Western American art;                (33)  a municipality with a population of 50,000 or   more that is the county seat of a county that contains a portion of   the Sam Houston National Forest;                (34)  a municipality with a population of less than   25,000 that:                      (A)  contains a cultural heritage museum; and                      (B)  is located in a county that borders the   United Mexican States and the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico];                (35)  a municipality that is the county seat of a county   that:                      (A)  has a population of 115,000 or more;                      (B)  is adjacent to a county with a population of   2.1 million or more; and                      (C)  hosts an annual peach festival;                (36)  a municipality that is the county seat of a county   that:                      (A)  has a population of 800,000 or more; and                      (B)  is adjacent to a county with a population of   four million or more;                (37)  a municipality with a population of less than   10,000 that:                      (A)  contains a component university of The Texas   A&M University System; and                      (B)  is located in a county adjacent to a county   that borders Oklahoma;                (38)  a municipality with a population of less than   17,000 that:                      (A)  is located in two counties, each of which has   a population of 900,000 or more but less than two million; and                      (B)  hosts an annual Cajun Festival;                (39)  a municipality with a population of 13,000 or   more that:                      (A)  is located on an international border; and                      (B)  is located in a county:                            (i)  with a population of less than 400,000;   and                            (ii)  in which at least one World Birding   Center site is located;                (40)  a municipality with a population of 3,200 or more   that:                      (A)  is located on an international border; and                      (B)  is located not more than five miles from a   state historic site that serves as a visitor center for a state park   that contains 300,000 or more acres of land;                (41)  a municipality with a population of 36,000 or   more that is adjacent to at least two municipalities described by   Subdivision (15);                (42)  a municipality with a population of 28,000 or   more that is located in a county with a population of 240,000 or   more that contains a portion of the Blanco River and in which is   located a historic railroad depot and heritage center;                (43)  a municipality located in a county that has a   population of not more than 300,000 and in which a component   university of the University of Houston System is located;                (44)  a municipality with a population of less than   500,000 that is:                      (A)  located in two counties; and                      (B)  adjacent to a municipality described by   Subdivision (31);                (45)  a municipality that:                      (A)  has a population of more than 67,000; and                      (B)  is located in two counties with 90 percent of   the municipality's territory located in a county with a population   of at least 800,000, and the remaining territory located in a county   with a population of at least four million;                (46)  a municipality that:                      (A)  has a population of 100,000 or more; and                      (B)  is wholly located in, but is not the county   seat of, a county with a population of one million or more:                            (i)  in which all or part of a municipality   with a population of one million or more is located; and                            (ii)  that is adjacent to a county with a   population of 2.5 million or more;                (47)  a municipality that is the county seat of a county   bordering the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] and the United   Mexican States;                (48)  a municipality that is bisected by the Guadalupe   River and is the county seat of a county with a population of   170,000 or more;                (49)  a municipality with a population of 70,000 or   more but less than 150,000 that borders Joe Pool Lake;                (50)  a municipality with a population of 115,000 or   more that borders the Neches River;                (51)  a municipality described by Section 351.101(k);                (52)  a municipality that is the county seat of a   county:                      (A)  through which the Brazos River flows; and                      (B)  in which a national monument is located;                (53)  a municipality with a population of 45,000 or   more that:                      (A)  is not the county seat of a county;                      (B)  is located in a single county; and                      (C)  contains a portion of Lake Lewisville;                (54)  a municipality that is the county seat of a county   with a population of more than 900,000 that is adjacent to two   counties, each of which has a population of more than 1.8 million;                (55)  a municipality that hosts an annual wine festival   and is located in three counties, each of which has a population of   more than 900,000;                (56)  a municipality that has a population of at least   150,000 but less than 1,300,000 and is partially located in a county   that contains a portion of Cedar Creek Reservoir;                (57)  a municipality that is located in a county that   contains a portion of Cedar Creek Reservoir and in which a private   college is located;                (58)  a municipality that is the county seat of a   county:                      (A)  with a population of one million or more;                      (B)  in which all or part of a municipality with a   population of one million or more is located; and                      (C)  that is located adjacent to a county with a   population of 2.5 million or more;                (59)  a municipality that is the county seat of a county   that contains a portion of Cedar Creek Reservoir and borders a   county with a population of more than 240,000;                (60)  a municipality with a population of more than   80,000 but less than 150,000 that is located in a county with a   population of more than 369,000 but less than 864,000 that contains   part of an active duty United States Army installation;                (61)  a municipality with a population of 750,000 or   more that is located in a county with a population of 1.5 million or   less;                (62)  a municipality with a population of less than   7,000 that contains a country music hall of fame;                (63)  a municipality with a population of 35,000 or   more that contains a railroad museum and is located in a county   that:                      (A)  has a population of 800,000 or more; and                      (B)  is adjacent to a county with a population of   four million or more; and                (64)  a municipality:                      (A)  that is the county seat of a county:                            (i)  with a population of 60,000 or less; and                            (ii)  that borders the Rio Grande; and                      (B)  in which is located a United States military   fort listed in the National Register of Historic Places.          SECTION 17.15.  Section 352.002(a), Tax Code, is amended to   read as follows:          (a)  The commissioners courts of the following counties by   the adoption of an order or resolution may impose a tax on a person   who, under a lease, concession, permit, right of access, license,   contract, or agreement, pays for the use or possession or for the   right to the use or possession of a room that is in a hotel, costs $2   or more each day, and is ordinarily used for sleeping:                (1)  a county that has a population of more than 3.3   million;                (2)  a county that has a population of 90,000 or more,   borders the United Mexican States, does not border the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico], and does not have four or more cities that   each have a population of more than 25,000;                (3)  a county in which there is no municipality;                (4)  a county in which there is located an Indian   reservation under the jurisdiction of the United States government;                (5)  a county that has a population of 30,000 or less,   that has no more than one municipality with a population of less   than 2,500, and that borders two counties located wholly in the   Edwards Aquifer Authority established by Chapter 626, Acts of the   73rd Legislature, Regular Session, 1993;                (6)  a county that borders the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico];                (7)  a county that has a population of less than 5,000,   that borders the United Mexican States, and in which there is   located a major observatory;                (8)  a county that has a population of 12,000 or less   and borders the Toledo Bend Reservoir;                (9)  a county that has a population of less than 12,500   and an area of less than 275 square miles and does not border a   county that borders Arkansas and Louisiana;                (10)  a county that has a population of 30,000 or less   and borders Possum Kingdom Lake;                (11)  a county that borders a county with a population   of more than 300,000 and the United Mexican States and has a   population of more than 300,000 and less than 900,000;                (12)  a county that has a population of 35,000 or more   and borders or contains a portion of Lake Fork Reservoir;                (13)  a county that borders the United Mexican States   and in which there is located a national recreation area;                (14)  a county that borders the United Mexican States   and in which there is located a national park of more than 400,000   acres;                (15)  a county that has a population of 28,000 or less,   that has no more than four municipalities, and that is located   wholly in the Edwards Aquifer Authority established by Chapter 626,   Acts of the 73rd Legislature, Regular Session, 1993;                (16)  a county that has a population of 25,000 or less,   whose territory is less than 750 square miles, and that has two   incorporated municipalities, each with a population of 800 or less,   at least one of which is located on the Frio River;                (17)  a county that has a population of 34,000 or more   and borders Lake Buchanan;                (18)  a county that has a population of more than 45,000   and less than 75,000, that borders the United Mexican States, and   that borders or contains a portion of Falcon Lake;                (19)  a county with a population of 22,000 or less that   borders the Neches River and in which there is located a national   preserve;                (20)  a county that has a population of 28,000 or less   and that borders or contains a portion of Lake Livingston;                (21)  a county through which the Pedernales River flows   and in which the birthplace or the childhood home of a president of   the United States is located;                (22)  a county that has a population of 35,000 or less   and borders Lake Buchanan;                (23)  a county with a population of less than 11,000   that is bordered by the Sulphur River;                (24)  a county that has a population of 16,000 or more   and borders the entire north shore of Lake Somerville;                (25)  a county that has a population of 20,000 or less   and that is bordered by the Brazos and Navasota Rivers;                (26)  a county that has a population of more than 15,000   and less than 25,000 and is located on the Trinity and Navasota   Rivers;                (27)  a county that has a population of less than 15,000   and that is bordered by the Trinity and Navasota Rivers;                (28)  a county that borders or contains a portion of the   Neches River, the Sabine River, and Sabine Lake; and                (29)  a county that borders Whitney Lake.          SECTION 17.16.  Section 352.003(f), Tax Code, is amended to   read as follows:          (f)  The tax rate in a county that borders the Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico], has a population of more than 200,000, and borders   the Neches River may not exceed two percent of the price paid for a   room in a hotel in the county.          SECTION 17.17.  The heading to Section 352.1033, Tax Code,   is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 352.1033.  USE OF REVENUE; COUNTIES BORDERING THE GULF   OF AMERICA [GULF OF MEXICO].          SECTION 17.18.  Sections 352.1033(a) and (b), Tax Code, are   amended to read as follows:          (a)  Subject to Subsection (c), the revenue from a tax   imposed under this chapter by a county that borders the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico] authorized to impose the tax by Section   352.002(a)(6) may be used only to:                (1)  clean public beaches;                (2)  acquire, furnish, or maintain facilities,   including parks, that enhance public access to beaches;                (3)  provide and maintain public restrooms on or   adjacent to beaches or beach access facilities;                (4)  provide and maintain litter containers on or   adjacent to beaches or beach access facilities;                (5)  create, renovate, promote, and maintain parks   adjacent to bays, rivers, and other navigable waterways if the   county does not operate a public beach on the Gulf of America [Gulf   of Mexico];                (6)  advertise and conduct solicitations and   promotional programs to attract tourists and convention delegates   or registrants to the county or its vicinity, any of which may be   conducted by the county or through contracts with persons or   organizations selected by the county;                (7)  acquire a site for and construct, improve,   enlarge, equip, repair, operate, and maintain a visitor information   center; and                (8)  encourage, promote, and improve historical   preservation and restoration efforts.          (b)  A county that borders the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico] and that is authorized to impose the tax by Section   352.002(a)(6) may use 50 percent or less of the revenue from the tax   for the promotion of tourism.   ARTICLE 18. UTILITIES CODE PROVISIONS          SECTION 18.01.  Section 39.9016, Utilities Code, is amended   to read as follows:          Sec. 39.9016.  NUCLEAR SAFETY FEE. An electric utility that   operates a nuclear asset located in a county on the coast of the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] shall pay a nuclear safety fee for   the year 2000 and the year 2001 to each taxing unit in which the   nuclear asset is located, other than a school district, in an amount   equal to the difference between the ad valorem taxes imposed by the   taxing unit in 1999 and the amount of ad valorem taxes imposed by   the unit in the year for which the fee is due, except that the amount   of the fee may not exceed one-half the taxes imposed on the asset by   the unit in 1999.  The nuclear safety fee shall be considered a tax   or fee under Section 39.258(5).   ARTICLE 19. WATER CODE PROVISIONS          SECTION 19.01.  Section 11.002(11), Water Code, is amended   to read as follows:                (11)  "River basin" means a river or coastal basin   designated by the board as a river basin under Section 16.051. The   term does not include waters originating in the bays or arms of the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico].          SECTION 19.02.  Section 11.021(a), Water Code, is amended to   read as follows:          (a)  The water of the ordinary flow, underflow, and tides of   every flowing river, natural stream, and lake, and of every bay or   arm of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico], and the storm water,   floodwater, and rainwater of every river, natural stream, canyon,   ravine, depression, and watershed in the state is the property of   the state.          SECTION 19.03.  Section 11.023(f), Water Code, is amended to   read as follows:          (f)  The water of any arm, inlet, or bay of the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico] may be changed from salt water to sweet or   fresh water and held or stored by dams, dikes, or other structures   and may be taken or diverted for any purpose authorized by this   chapter.          SECTION 19.04.  Section 11.050(a), Water Code, is amended to   read as follows:          (a)  An appropriator authorized to take water for   irrigation, subject to the laws of the United States and the   regulations made under its authority, may construct gates or   breakwaters, dams, or dikes with gates, in waters wholly in this   state, as necessary to prevent pollution of the fresh water of any   river, bayou, or stream due to the ebb and flow of the tides of the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico].          SECTION 19.05.  Section 11.0871(a), Water Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (a)  The commission may authorize, under conditions stated   in an order, a watermaster to provide for the temporary diversion   and use by holders of water rights of storm water or floodwater that   spills from dams and reservoirs on an international stream and   otherwise would flow into the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]   without opportunity for beneficial use.          SECTION 19.06.  Sections 11.1405(a) and (b), Water Code, are   amended to read as follows:          (a)  The commission may issue a permit under this section to   authorize a diversion of state water from the Gulf of America [Gulf   of Mexico] or a bay or arm of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]   for desalination and use for industrial purposes if:                (1)  the point of diversion is located less than three   miles seaward of any point located on the coast of this state; or                (2)  the seawater contains a total dissolved solids   concentration based on a yearly average of samples taken monthly at   the water source of less than 20,000 milligrams per liter.          (b)  A person may divert state water from the Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico] or a bay or arm of the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico] for desalination and use for industrial purposes without   obtaining a permit if Subsection (a) does not apply.          SECTION 19.07.  Section 11.142(c), Water Code, is amended to   read as follows:          (c)  Without obtaining a permit, a person who is drilling and   producing petroleum and conducting operations associated with   drilling and producing petroleum may take for those purposes state   water from the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] and adjacent bays   and arms of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] in an amount not to   exceed one acre-foot during each 24-hour period.          SECTION 19.08.  Section 11.1421(b), Water Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (b)  Without obtaining a permit and subject to the   requirements and limitations provided by Subsections (c) through   (e) of this section, a person who is engaged in mariculture   operations on land may take for that purpose state water from the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] and adjacent bays and arms of the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] in an amount appropriate to those   mariculture activities.          SECTION 19.09.  Section 11.3271(h), Water Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (h)  Before granting a permit to convey water down the banks   and bed of the Rio Grande, the commission shall adopt rules that   provide for the methods and procedures by which the watermaster   shall account for any discharge, delivery, conveyance, storage,   diversion, or associated loss of water conveyed down the banks and   bed of the Rio Grande.  A permit to convey water down the banks and   bed of the Rio Grande may not allow the permit holder to share in any   beneficial state water inflows into the Rio Grande.  The permit   holder is entitled to convey only the amount of water specified in   the permit, less the carriage losses incurred in transit, as   described and measured according to commission rules.  A rule   adopted by the commission under this subsection must be consistent   with the Treaty Relating to the Utilization of the Waters of the   Colorado and Tijuana Rivers, and of the Rio Grande (Rio Bravo) from   Fort Quitman, Texas, to the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico],   concluded by the United States and the United Mexican States on   February 3, 1944, and with any minute order adopted by the   International Boundary and Water Commission.          SECTION 19.10.  Section 13.245(c-5), Water Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (c-5)  Subsections (c-1), (c-2), (c-3), and (c-4) do not   apply to:                (1)  a county that borders the United Mexican States   and the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] or a county adjacent to   such a county;                (2)  a county with a population of more than 30,000 and   less than 36,000 that borders the Red River; or                (3)  a county with a population of more than 100,000 and   less than 200,000 that borders a county described by Subdivision   (2).          SECTION 19.11.  Section 13.2451(b-1), Water Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (b-1)  Subsection (b) does not apply to an extension of   extraterritorial jurisdiction in a county that borders the United   Mexican States and the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] or a county   adjacent to such a county.          SECTION 19.12.  Section 13.254(a-9), Water Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (a-9)  Subsection (a-8) does not apply to a county that   borders the United Mexican States and the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico] or a county adjacent to a county that borders the United   Mexican States and the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico].          SECTION 19.13.  Section 16.053(e), Water Code, is amended to   read as follows:          (e)  Each regional water planning group shall submit to the   development board a regional water plan that:                (1)  is consistent with the guidance principles for the   state water plan adopted by the development board under Section   16.051(d);                (2)  provides information based on data provided or   approved by the development board in a format consistent with the   guidelines provided by the development board under Subsection (d);                (2-a) is consistent with the desired future conditions   adopted under Section 36.108 for the relevant aquifers located in   the regional water planning area as of the most recent deadline for   the board to adopt the state water plan under Section 16.051 or, at   the option of the regional water planning group, established   subsequent to the adoption of the most recent plan; provided,   however, that if no groundwater conservation district exists within   the area of the regional water planning group, the regional water   planning group shall determine the supply of groundwater for   regional planning purposes; the Texas Water Development Board shall   review and approve, prior to inclusion in the regional water plan,   that the groundwater supply for the regional planning group without   a groundwater conservation district in its area is physically   compatible, using the board's groundwater availability models,   with the desired future conditions adopted under Section 36.108 for   the relevant aquifers in the groundwater management area that are   regulated by groundwater conservation districts;                (3)  identifies:                      (A)  each source of water supply in the regional   water planning area, including information supplied by the   executive administrator on the amount of modeled available   groundwater in accordance with the guidelines provided by the   development board under Subsections (d) and (f);                      (B)  factors specific to each source of water   supply to be considered in determining whether to initiate a   drought response;                      (C)  actions to be taken as part of the response;                      (D)  existing major water infrastructure   facilities that may be used for interconnections in the event of an   emergency shortage of water; and                      (E)  unnecessary or counterproductive variations   in specific drought response strategies, including outdoor   watering restrictions, among user groups in the regional water   planning area that may confuse the public or otherwise impede   drought response efforts;                (4)  has specific provisions for water management   strategies to be used during a drought of record;                (5)  includes but is not limited to consideration of   the following:                      (A)  any existing water or drought planning   efforts addressing all or a portion of the region and potential   impacts on public health, safety, or welfare in this state;                      (B)  approved groundwater conservation district   management plans and other plans submitted under Section 16.054;                      (C)  all potentially feasible water management   strategies, including but not limited to improved conservation,   reuse, and management of existing water supplies, conjunctive use,   acquisition of available existing water supplies, and development   of new water supplies;                      (D)  protection of existing water rights in the   region;                      (E)  opportunities for and the benefits of   developing regional water supply facilities or providing regional   management of water supply facilities;                      (F)  appropriate provision for environmental   water needs and for the effect of upstream development on the bays,   estuaries, and arms of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] and the   effect of plans on navigation;                      (G)  provisions in Section 11.085(k)(1) if   interbasin transfers are contemplated;                      (H)  voluntary transfer of water within the region   using, but not limited to, regional water banks, sales, leases,   options, subordination agreements, and financing agreements;                      (I)  emergency transfer of water under Section   11.139, including information on the part of each permit, certified   filing, or certificate of adjudication for nonmunicipal use in the   region that may be transferred without causing unreasonable damage   to the property of the nonmunicipal water rights holder; and                      (J)  opportunities for and the benefits of   developing large-scale desalination facilities for:                            (i)  marine seawater that serve local or   regional entities; and                            (ii)  brackish groundwater that serve local   or regional brackish groundwater production zones identified and   designated under Section 16.060(b)(5);                (6)  identifies river and stream segments of unique   ecological value and sites of unique value for the construction of   reservoirs that the regional water planning group recommends for   protection under Section 16.051;                (7)  assesses the impact of the plan on unique river and   stream segments identified in Subdivision (6) if the regional water   planning group or the legislature determines that a site of unique   ecological value exists;                (8)  describes the impact of proposed water projects on   water quality;                (9)  includes information on:                      (A)  projected water use and conservation in the   regional water planning area;                      (B)  the implementation of state and regional   water plan projects, including water conservation strategies,   necessary to meet the state's projected water demands; and                      (C)  the implementation of large projects,   including reservoirs, interstate water transfers, innovative   technology projects, desalination plants, and other large projects   as determined by the board, including information regarding:                            (i)  expenditures of sponsor money;                            (ii)  permit applications, including the   status of a permit application; and                            (iii)  status updates on the phase of   construction of a project;                (10)  if the regional water planning area has   significant identified water needs, provides a specific assessment   of the potential for aquifer storage and recovery projects to meet   those needs;                (11)  sets one or more specific goals for gallons of   water use per capita per day in each decade of the period covered by   the plan for the municipal water user groups in the regional water   planning area; and                (12)  assesses the progress of the regional water   planning area in encouraging cooperation between water user groups   for the purpose of achieving economies of scale and otherwise   incentivizing strategies that benefit the entire region.          SECTION 19.14.  Section 16.321, Water Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 16.321.  COASTAL FLOODING. The Commissioner of the   General Land Office shall adopt and enforce reasonable rules and   regulations necessary for protection from flooding on barrier   islands, peninsulas, and mainland areas fronting on the Gulf of   America [Gulf of Mexico].  Rules and regulations adopted pursuant   to this section shall be limited to those matters that political   subdivisions are authorized to address under Section 16.315 of this   code.  Except as otherwise provided by this section, all actions   taken by political subdivisions under Section 16.315 of this code   with respect to flooding on barrier islands, peninsulas, and   mainland areas fronting on the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] must   comply with rules and regulations adopted by the commissioner under   this section.  A political subdivision may adopt rules that are more   stringent than those adopted by the commissioner under this   section, provided the stricter provisions are intended to ensure   compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program's rules,   regulations, and policies.          SECTION 19.15.  Section 18.001(2), Water Code, is amended to   read as follows:                (2)  "Marine seawater" means water that is derived from   the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico].          SECTION 19.16.  Section 18.003(i), Water Code, is amended to   read as follows:          (i)  The Parks and Wildlife Department and the General Land   Office jointly shall conduct a study to identify zones in the Gulf   of America [Gulf of Mexico] that are appropriate for the diversion   of marine seawater, taking into account the need to protect marine   organisms. Not later than September 1, 2018, the Parks and Wildlife   Department and the General Land Office shall submit a report on the   results of the study to the commission. The report must include   recommended diversion zones for designation by the commission and   recommendations for the number of points from which, and the rate at   which, a facility may divert marine seawater. Not later than   September 1, 2020, the commission by rule shall designate   appropriate diversion zones. A diversion zone may be contiguous   to, be the same as, or overlap a discharge zone. The point or points   from which a facility may divert marine seawater must be located in   a diversion zone designated by the commission under rules adopted   under this subsection if:                (1)  the facility is authorized by a permit as required   by Subsection (a) issued after the rules are adopted; or                (2)  the facility is exempt under Subsection (b) from   the requirement of a permit and construction of the facility begins   after the rules are adopted.          SECTION 19.17.  Sections 18.005(c), (d), and (g), Water   Code, are amended to read as follows:          (c)  A person must obtain a permit to discharge:                (1)  treated marine seawater into a natural stream in   this state or a lake, reservoir, or other impoundment in this state;   or                (2)  waste resulting from the desalination of treated   marine seawater into the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico].          (d)  A person shall:                (1)  treat marine seawater so as to meet standards that   are at least as stringent as the water quality standards adopted by   the commission applicable to the receiving stream or impoundment   before discharging the seawater under this section; and                (2)  comply with all applicable state and federal   requirements when discharging waste resulting from the   desalination of marine seawater into the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico].          (g)  The Parks and Wildlife Department and the General Land   Office jointly shall conduct a study to identify zones in the Gulf   of America [Gulf of Mexico] that are appropriate for the discharge   of waste resulting from the desalination of marine seawater, taking   into account the need to protect marine organisms.  Not later than   September 1, 2018, the Parks and Wildlife Department and the   General Land Office shall submit a report on the results of the   study to the commission.  The report must include recommended   discharge zones for designation by the commission.  Not later than   September 1, 2020, the commission by rule shall designate   appropriate discharge zones.  The point at which a facility may   discharge waste resulting from the desalination of marine seawater   must be located in a discharge zone designated by the commission   under rules adopted under this subsection if the facility is   authorized by a permit issued under Subsection (c)(2) after the   rules are adopted.          SECTION 19.18.  Section 26.001(5), Water Code, is amended to   read as follows:                (5)  "Water" or "water in the state" means groundwater,   percolating or otherwise, lakes, bays, ponds, impounding   reservoirs, springs, rivers, streams, creeks, estuaries, wetlands,   marshes, inlets, canals, the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico],   inside the territorial limits of the state, and all other bodies of   surface water, natural or artificial, inland or coastal, fresh or   salt, navigable or nonnavigable, and including the beds and banks   of all watercourses and bodies of surface water, that are wholly or   partially inside or bordering the state or inside the jurisdiction   of the state.          SECTION 19.19.  Sections 26.0272(b) and (c), Water Code, are   amended to read as follows:          (b)  The commission may issue a permit for the discharge of   water treatment residuals from the desalination of seawater into   the portion of the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] inside the   territorial limits of the state.          (c)  Before issuing a permit under this section, the   commission must evaluate the discharge of water treatment residuals   from the desalination of seawater into the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico] for compliance with the state water quality standards   adopted by the commission, the requirements of the Texas Pollutant   Discharge Elimination System program, and applicable federal law.          SECTION 19.20.  Sections 26.044(a)(4), Water Code, are   amended to read as follows:                (4)  "Surface water in the state" means all lakes,   bays, ponds, impounding reservoirs, springs, rivers, streams,   creeks, estuaries, marshes, inlets, canals, the Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico] out three nautical miles into the Gulf, and all   other bodies of surface water, natural or artificial, inland or   coastal, fresh or salt, navigable or nonnavigable, and including   the beds and banks of all watercourses and bodies of surface water,   that are wholly or partially inside or bordering the state or inside   the jurisdiction of the state, except waters beyond three nautical   miles of any shore in the state.          SECTION 19.21.  Section 27.040, Water Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 27.040.  DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "offshore"   means the area in the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] seaward of   the coast that is within three marine leagues of the coast.          SECTION 19.22.  Section 28.001(4), Water Code, is amended to   read as follows:                (4)  "Water" or "water in the state" means groundwater,   percolating or otherwise, lakes, bays, ponds, impounding   reservoirs, springs, rivers, streams, creeks, estuaries, marshes,   inlets, canals, the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] inside the   territorial limits of the state, and all other bodies of natural and   artificial surface water that is inland or coastal, fresh or salt,   and navigable or nonnavigable, and includes the beds and banks of   all watercourses and bodies of surface water, that are wholly or   partially inside or bordering the state or inside the jurisdiction   of the state.          SECTION 19.23.  Section 31.001(11), Water Code, is amended   to read as follows:                (11)  "Water" or "water in the state" means   groundwater, percolating or otherwise, lakes, bays, ponds,   impounding reservoirs, springs, rivers, streams, creeks,   estuaries, marshes, inlets, canals, the Gulf of America [Gulf of   Mexico] inside the territorial limits of the state, and all other   bodies of natural and artificial surface water that are inland or   coastal, fresh or salt, and navigable or nonnavigable and includes   the beds and banks of all watercourses and bodies of surface water   that are wholly or partially inside or bordering the state or inside   the jurisdiction of the state.          SECTION 19.24.  Section 36.001(23), Water Code, is amended   to read as follows:                (23)  "River basin" means a river or coastal basin   designated as a river basin by the board under Section 16.051.  The   term does not include waters of the bays or arms originating in the   Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico].          SECTION 19.25.  Section 49.2127(b), Water Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (b)  This section applies only to a district whose territory   is located wholly or partly in a county:                (1)  located on the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] and   an international border; or                (2)  adjacent to a county described by Subdivision (1).          SECTION 19.26.  Section 49.502, Water Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 49.502.  APPLICABILITY. This subchapter applies only   to a district, other than a drainage district, located wholly or   partly in a county:                (1)  that borders the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico]   and the United Mexican States; or                (2)  that is adjacent to a county described by   Subdivision (1).          SECTION 19.27.  Section 54.235, Water Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 54.235.  AUTHORITY TO CONTRACT. Any district created   by general law or special act of the legislature in existence for at   least 10 years which lies within a county that borders on the Gulf   of America [Gulf of Mexico] and that has a population of 190,000 and   which has the powers of this chapter and which also has or is   authorized to acquire road utility district powers pursuant to   Section 54.234, of this code, may contract with the county within   which it is located with respect to the ownership, maintenance, and   operation of any facilities or improvements which such district is   authorized or may be authorized to acquire by purchase, gift,   lease, or otherwise, except by condemnation, any and all property   or interests in property, whether real, personal, or mixed,   tangible or intangible, located inside or outside such county, that   are found to be necessary for such improvements or facilities.  Such   county may enter into contracts with such districts as permitted by   this section for any term of years not exceeding 40 for the   management and operation of any or all of such property and   interests in property on such terms as the commissioners court of   such county deems appropriate.          SECTION 19.28.  Section 60.039(c), Water Code, is amended to   read as follows:          (c)  This subsection applies only to a district that operates   a port in this state that is wholly located in a county that borders   the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] and that is adjacent to a   county that contains an international border and borders the Gulf   of America [Gulf of Mexico]. The district may lease the surface of   land for not more than 99 years or may extend a lease to a period not   to exceed 99 years only if:                (1)  the lease conveys an interest in the surface of the   land for residential purposes only;                (2)  at the time the lease will be entered into or   extended, the district has not less than 50 leases in effect that   convey an interest in the land surface for residential purposes   only; and                (3)  any part of the land owned by the district is   subdivided into lots intended for residential use.          SECTION 19.29.  Section 61.151(a), Water Code, is amended to   read as follows:          (a)  A district created for the development of deep-water   navigation which includes a city with a population of more than   100,000, according to the last preceding federal census, may   operate and develop ports and waterways inside the district and   extending to the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico].          SECTION 19.30.  Section 63.156(a), Water Code, is amended to   read as follows:          (a)  The district may exercise the power of eminent domain to   condemn and acquire the right-of-way over and through any public or   private land necessary to improve any river, bay, creek, or arm of   the Gulf of America [Gulf of Mexico] for the construction and   maintenance of any canal or waterway and for any other purpose   authorized by this chapter.          SECTION 19.31.  Section 63.157, Water Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 63.157.  AUTHORITY OVER IMPROVEMENTS. A district may   acquire, purchase, take over, construct, maintain, operate,   develop, and regulate wharves, docks, warehouses, grain elevators,   bunkering facilities, belt railroads, floating plants, literage,   lands, towing facilities, and all other facilities or aids incident   to or necessary to the operation or development of ports or   waterways inside the district extending to the Gulf of America   [Gulf of Mexico].   ARTICLE 20.  TRANSITION AND EFFECTIVE DATE          SECTION 20.01.  To the extent of any conflict, this Act   prevails over another Act of the 89th Legislature, Regular Session,   2025, relating to nonsubstantive additions to and corrections in   enacted codes.          SECTION 20.02.  This Act takes effect immediately if it   receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each   house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.     If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate   effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2025.     * * * * *