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      H.B. No. 609         AN ACT   relating to the cleaning of a structure used to grow oysters for   cultivated oyster mariculture.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 26, Water Code, is amended   by adding Section 26.0406 to read as follows:           Sec.   26.0406.     GENERAL PERMITS FOR AQUACULTURE; EXEMPTION   FOR CLEANING STRUCTURES USED FOR GROWING OYSTERS. (a) A general   permit for aquaculture issued by the commission must allow the   holder of a cultivated oyster mariculture permit under Chapter 75,   Parks and Wildlife Code, to discharge into waters of this state   waste related to the cleaning of a structure used to grow oysters   for cultivated oyster mariculture in accordance with Subsection   (b).           (b)     A cultivated oyster mariculture permit holder cleaning   a structure as described by Subsection (a):                 (1)  may clean the structure only:                       (A)     at the location where the permit holder is   authorized to operate; and                       (B)  with water from that location;                 (2)     may not alter the water in any way before using the   water for cleaning, including by adding a soap, chemical, or   similar substance; and                 (3)     must comply with all other permit conditions   established by the commission.           (c)     In establishing a permit condition described by   Subsection (b)(3), the commission shall consult with the Parks and   Wildlife Department.          SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.       ______________________________ ______________________________      President of the Senate Speaker of the House                   I certify that H.B. No. 609 was passed by the House on April   25, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 126, Nays 5, 3 present, not   voting.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House                 I certify that H.B. No. 609 was passed by the Senate on May   25, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.     ______________________________   Secretary of the Senate       APPROVED:  _____________________                      Date                           _____________________                    Governor