ISSUANCE AND RENEWAL OF COMMERCIAL BAY AND BAIT SHRIMP BOAT LICENSES.

(a) After August 31, 1995, the department may not issue a new commercial bay or bait shrimp boat license unless the person seeking to obtain the license documents to the satisfaction of the department that the vessel for which the license is sought:

(1) is owned by the person;

(2) was under construction and at least 50 percent completed on April 1, 1995; and

(3) is intended to be licensed and used as a commercial bay or bait shrimp boat.

(b) For the license year ending August 31, 1996, the department may renew a commercial bay or bait shrimp boat license only if the person seeking renewal of the license:

(1) owns the commercial bay or bait shrimp boat for which the license renewal is sought; and

(2) held the license to be renewed on April 1, 1995, or, after that date, obtained the license to be renewed by a transfer authorized by Section 77.113.

(c) After August 31, 1996, the commission may renew a commercial bay or bait shrimp boat license only if the person seeking to renew the license:

(1) owns the commercial bay or bait shrimp boat for which the license renewal is sought; and

(2) held the license to be renewed during the preceding license year.

(d) An applicant for a new or renewed commercial bay or bait shrimp boat license for a vessel that is required by United States Coast Guard rules to be documented by the United States Coast Guard must submit to the department with the license application the United States Coast Guard certificate of documentation for the vessel.