Relating to the cleaning of a structure used to grow oysters for cultivated oyster mariculture.

HB 609 (effective September 1, 2025) creates an exemption allowing oyster farmers with cultivated oyster mariculture permits to discharge cleaning water from oyster-growing structures into state waters. It directly affects permit holders operating under Texas Parks and Wildlife Code Chapter 75. The bill permits cleaning only at authorized locations using untreated water from that site, prohibits adding chemicals or soap, and requires compliance with all other permit conditions. This change streamlines routine maintenance for oyster farming operations while maintaining environmental safeguards.