1. (a) After August 31, 2005, the department may not issue or renew a commercial oyster boat license unless the person seeking to obtain or renew the license documents to the satisfaction of the department that the vessel for which the license is sought:

   1. (1) is owned by the person;
   2. (2) was licensed as a commercial oyster boat on the day the renewal was sought or at the end of the licensing period immediately preceding the period for which the license is sought; and
   3. (3) is intended to be licensed and used as a commercial oyster boat.

2. (b) An applicant for a new or renewed commercial oyster boat license for a vessel must submit to the department with the license application:

   1. (1) the United States Coast Guard certificate of documentation for the vessel, if the vessel is required by United States Coast Guard rules to be documented; and
   2. (2) the certificate of number for the vessel as required by Chapter 31.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 104 (S.B. 272), Sec. 1, eff. May 20, 2005.