� 31.109. Boater Education Course Required for Certain Persons
(a) This section applies only to a person who is:
(1)��born on or after September 1, 1993; and
(2)��operating on the public water of this state:
(A) a vessel powered by a motor with a manufacturer�s rating
of more than 15 horsepower; or
(B)��a windblown vessel over 14 feet in length.
(b) A person subject to this section must have in the person�s
possession a photographic identification card and either:
(1)��a boater identification card issued by the department; or
(2)��proof of completion of the requirements to obtain a vessel
operator�s license issued by the United States Coast Guard.
(c) The department shall issue a boater identification card to a person
who has successfully completed:
(1) a boater education course approved by the department; or
(2) a course equivalency examination approved by the department.
(d) A boater identification card issued to a person who has successfully
completed a boater education course or course equivalency examination does not
expire.
(e) If, on or before the trial of a person charged with an offense for
failing to possess a document required under Subsection (b), the person produces
for the court or the prosecuting attorney a document required by Subsection (b)
that was issued to the person and was valid at the time of the offense, the court
shall dismiss the charge.