PRIA Logo™
TexasSB 135389th Legislature Regular SessionSenate

Relating to the licensing and regulation of pilots in the jurisdiction of the pilot board of a navigation district located in Cameron County.

Sponsored By: Erin Gámez, Adam Hinojosa (Republican)

Signed by Governor

CAMERON COUNTYCivil Remedies & LiabilitiesOccupational Regulation--Other Trades & ProfessionsSpecial Districts & Authorities--Navigation & PortsWater--Navigation & PortsBONDSOATHS

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 4 mixed.

Cameron County pilots face licensing requirements

Branch and deputy pilot applicants must be at least 25, be U.S. citizens, and hold federal licenses for the covered waters. Both must meet mental and physical health, character, and skill standards and be selected by a licensed branch pilot. Branch applicants also need one year of continuous Texas residence when licensed and at least 30 months of local deputy or equivalent piloting service. They need experience controlling vessel navigation and substantial docking and undocking experience. A branch pilot must document their completed board-approved deputy training and recommend licensing; the board examines and approves their qualifications.

Pilots need bonds and fixed commissions

Before starting service, pilots must take an oath and provide a $5,000 bond guaranteeing legal compliance and faithful service. The board approves the bond, which is payable to the governor and deposited with the Texas secretary of state. The bond amount is not a stated out-of-pocket price. After the oath and bond filing, the board certifies branch licensing and the governor issues a four-year commission. The commission ends sooner if the board dismisses the pilot.

Bypassing authorized pilots triggers double charges

A vessel moving in district waterways without a pilot owes twice the applicable rate when available pilot services go unused. Its consignee pays the first district pilot who requests payment. Unauthorized providers also owe an authorized pilot twice the scheduled rate for required piloting into or out of district waters. Pilots can sue to recover service charges and these double-rate payments. A pilot who wins receives court costs and reasonable attorney's fees; the law sets no dollar rate.

Pilot hiring limits and hearing protections

A branch pilot can appoint two deputies, subject to board examination and approval; the board can allow additional deputies. The branch pilot is responsible for deputies' acts and loses the appointment for appointing a deputy without board approval. The board can suspend or dismiss pilots for misconduct, inefficiency, or intoxication on duty. Before acting, it must hold a hearing where the pilot can give testimony and present a defense.

Local boards control Cameron County pilots

Beginning September 1, 2025, Cameron County navigation districts follow a separate pilot law, not the state's general Chapter 62 rules. District pilot boards control piloting between the Gulf of Mexico and district ports, including stops along district navigable streams. Boards can appoint, suspend, or dismiss pilots and enforce rules consistent with law. Navigation and canal commissioners serve as pilot commissioners, with matching terms. People involved directly or indirectly in towing, pilot boats, or businesses connected to their duties cannot serve as pilot commissioners.

Pilot liability capped, limiting damage recovery

For acts on or after September 1, 2025, a pilot's liability for errors or neglect during pilot services generally stops at $1,000. Pilots are also protected from pilot-service claims arising from another pilot's or a pilot organization's acts. Exceptions cover willful misconduct or gross negligence when no other person or vessel shares liability, and exemplary damages for gross negligence. Pilot-boat ownership and operation also fall outside the cap unless the boat directly provides pilot services beyond transporting pilots. Courts must dismiss the parts of claims exceeding the applicable cap. The law does not remove vessel, owner, or operator liability on other grounds; earlier acts remain under prior law.

Vessel charges carry safeguards and exemptions

Pilot service rates must be fair and just, and the local board can set rates. Pilots must file rate schedules with district commissioners, follow them, and file updates when rates change. The consignee—the party entering or clearing the vessel at customs—is responsible for paying pilot charges. Vessels of 20 tons or less and federally exempt vessels do not owe these charges, except autonomous vessels. Autonomous vessels owe pilot charges at any size, even when they otherwise qualify for an exemption; the law sets no dollar rate.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Erin Gámez

    House

  • Adam Hinojosa

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 228 • No: 72

House vote • 5/23/2025

Record vote

Yes: 100 • No: 39

House vote • 5/22/2025

Record vote

Yes: 107 • No: 33

Senate vote • 4/10/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/10/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Transportation

Yes: 12 • No: 0

Senate vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Transportation

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective on 9/1/25

    6/20/2025House

  2. Signed by the Governor

    6/20/2025House

  3. Sent to the Governor

    5/27/2025House

  4. Signed in the House

    5/26/2025House

  5. Signed in the Senate

    5/26/2025Senate

  6. Reported enrolled

    5/23/2025Senate

  7. House passage reported

    5/23/2025Senate

  8. Statement(s) of vote recorded in Journal

    5/23/2025House

  9. Record vote (RV#3377)

    5/23/2025House

  10. Passed

    5/23/2025House

  11. Read 3rd time

    5/23/2025House

  12. Statement(s) of vote recorded in Journal

    5/22/2025House

  13. Record vote (RV#3301)

    5/22/2025House

  14. Passed to 3rd reading

    5/22/2025House

  15. Read 2nd time

    5/22/2025House

  16. Placed on General State Calendar

    5/22/2025House

  17. Considered in Calendars

    5/20/2025House

  18. Committee report sent to Calendars

    5/19/2025House

  19. Committee report distributed

    5/16/2025House

  20. Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator

    5/16/2025House

  21. Reported favorably w/o amendment(s)

    5/13/2025House

  22. Considered in formal meeting

    5/13/2025House

  23. Left pending in committee

    5/12/2025House

  24. Testimony taken/registration(s) recorded in committee

    5/12/2025House

  25. Considered in public hearing

    5/12/2025House

Bill Text

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation