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SB1353

Regular Session

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

Moderate
Medium Cost
Effective:2025-09-01
Enforcing Agencies

Office of the Governor (Issuance of Commissions) • Pilot Board of a navigation district in Cameron County (Navigation and Canal Commissioners) • Secretary of State (Bond Depository)

SB1353
Moderate
Relating to the licensing and regulation of pilots in the jurisdiction of the pilot board of a navigation district located in Cameron County.
Moderate Compliance Urgency
Requires near-term attention
Cost Impact
Medium
Effective
2025-09-01
Enforcing Agencies
Office of the GovernorPilot Board of a navigation dist...Secretary of State
Primary Author: Sen. Adam Hinojosa
89th Texas Legislature
jdkey.com
01

Compliance Analysis

Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation

Implementation Timeline

  • Effective Date: September 1, 2025
  • Compliance Deadline: September 1, 2025 (Rate schedules must be on file; new bonds must be executed).
  • Agency Rulemaking: The Pilot Board (Navigation and Canal Commissioners) is authorized to adopt rules regarding pilot qualifications and training. Expect a "regulatory gray zone" between September 2025 and early 2026 as the Board defines "approved training programs" for Deputy Branch Pilots.

Immediate Action Plan

  • 1. Update Insurance: Vessel owners must immediately notify underwriters of the $1,000 liability cap in Cameron County to prevent coverage gaps.
  • 2. Revise Agency Contracts: Shipping agents must insert indemnity language shifting the statutory liability for pilotage fees back to the vessel owner.
  • 3. File Bonds: Pilots must secure the required $5,000 bond and submit it to the Secretary of State prior to September 1, 2025.
  • 4. Verify Rates: Accounts Payable departments must verify that invoiced pilotage rates match the schedule physically on file with the District Commissioners.

Operational Changes Required

Contracts

  • Shipping Agent/Consignee Agreements: Section 71.153 statutorily obligates consignees and agents to pay pilotage fees. You must amend service agreements with vessel owners to include strict indemnity clauses, ensuring reimbursement for pilotage fees and any penalties incurred by the vessel master.
  • Insurance Policies: The law caps pilot liability at $1,000 for negligence. Vessel owners must amend Hull & Machinery and P&I policies to reflect that subrogation against the pilot for damages exceeding this amount is no longer legally viable.

Hiring/Training

  • Deputy Pilots: Branch pilots cannot appoint deputies without Board approval. You must submit documentation proving the applicant completed a Board-approved training program.
  • Commissions: Pilots must secure new commissions from the Governor for 4-year terms.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

  • Rate Schedules: Pilots must file a current schedule of pilotage rates with the Navigation District Commissioners. Any changes require an immediate update to this filing.
  • Bonds: Pilots must execute a $5,000 bond payable to the Governor and file it with the Secretary of State.

Fees & Costs

  • Civil Penalties: A vessel moving without a pilot (when required) faces a mandatory penalty of twice the applicable pilotage rate.
  • Unauthorized Service: Non-pilots offering service face a penalty of twice the pilotage rate.
  • Autonomous Vessels: Operators of autonomous vessels must budget for full pilotage fees regardless of tonnage, as the standard 20-ton exemption does not apply to these craft.

Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations

  • Autonomous Vessel Services: While the law mandates pilotage fees for autonomous vessels, it fails to define what physical or remote acts constitute "piloting" an unmanned vessel. Operators should monitor Pilot Board meetings for definitions of "service" regarding drone ships to avoid paying for services that cannot be physically rendered.
  • "Fair and Just" Rates: The statute requires rates to be "fair and just" but provides no calculation formula. This grants the Pilot Board broad discretion to reject filed rate schedules, creating potential friction and delays in rate adjustments.

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Information presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.

02

Legislative Timeline

This bill's path through the Texas Legislature

Filed
Feb 18, 2025
Passed Senate
Apr 10, 2025
Passed House
May 23, 2025
Signed
Jun 20, 2025
TopicsCameron CountyOccupational RegulationOccupational Regulation--other Trades & ProfessionsSpecial Districts & AuthoritiesSpecial Districts & Authorities--navigation & PortsWaterWater--navigation & PortsCivil Remedies & LiabilitiesBondsOaths
03

Senate Authors

Sen. Adam HinojosaRepublican · Primary Author

House Sponsor

Rep. Erin GamezDemocrat · Primary Sponsor

Bill Text(with markup)

View bill text in multiple formats on Texas Legislature website

Fiscal NoteView Original

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More from Sen. Adam Hinojosa

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Related by Topic

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Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about SB1353

Q

What does Texas SB1353 do?

SB1353 establishes a standalone regulatory framework for Cameron County maritime pilots, most notably capping pilot liability at $1,000 per incident and explicitly extending pilotage mandates to autonomous vessels. Vessel owners, shipping agents, and consignees operating in the Port of Brownsville must immediately restructure insurance coverage and vendor agreements to address this shift in liability and statutory fee responsibility. Implementation Timeline Effective Date: September 1, 2025 Compliance Deadline: September 1, 2025 (Rate schedules must be on file; new bonds must be executed).

Q

Who authored SB1353?

SB1353 was authored by Texas Senator Adam Hinojosa during the Regular Session.

Q

When was SB1353 signed into law?

SB1353 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.

Q

Which agencies enforce SB1353?

SB1353 is enforced by Office of the Governor (Issuance of Commissions), Pilot Board of a navigation district in Cameron County (Navigation and Canal Commissioners) and Secretary of State (Bond Depository).

Q

How urgent is compliance with SB1353?

The compliance urgency for SB1353 is rated as "moderate". Businesses and organizations should review the requirements and timeline to ensure timely compliance.

Q

What is the cost impact of SB1353?

The cost impact of SB1353 is estimated as "medium". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

Q

What topics does SB1353 address?

SB1353 addresses topics including cameron county, occupational regulation, occupational regulation--other trades & professions, special districts & authorities and special districts & authorities--navigation & ports.

Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: November 25, 2025

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