Bill Text: TX HR937 | 2015-2016 | 84th Legislature | Enrolled

Texas House Resolution 937 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Encouraging safe boating practices and paying tribute to the life of Kali Gorzell of San Antonio.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Republican 1)

Status: (Passed) 2015-04-13 - Reported enrolled [HR937 Detail]

Download: Texas-2015-HR937-Enrolled.html



	H.R. No. 937



	R E S O L U T I O N

	WHEREAS, On July 20, 2012, 16-year-old Kali Gorzell of San
	Antonio lost her life in a boating accident on Aransas Bay, when the
	flats boat she was riding in unexpectedly swapped ends, ejecting
	her into the water; since that tragic day, her family has worked
	tirelessly to address safety concerns and raise public awareness of
	the potential operational defects of the hull designs of flats
	boats; and
	WHEREAS, In response to a consumer safety defect complaint
	filed by the Gorzell family, the United States Coast Guard hired an
	independent contractor in 2013 to conduct a study on the safety of
	flats boats; the evaluation found design flaws that, under certain
	conditions, made the boats vulnerable to swapping ends events
	during routine operation; and
	WHEREAS, The coast guard later published the report in its
	Fall 2014 Boating Safety Circular and shared operational practices
	for flats boats; these guidelines include having passengers occupy
	areas of the vessel behind the console, where handholds are more
	accessible, operating with the motor fully engaged with the water
	in a down position, and avoiding aggressive turns at speeds above 25
	miles per hour; and
	WHEREAS, In addition to the coast guard's instructions, the
	Texas Parks and Wildlife Department advises the public to wear life
	jackets, use a kill switch, and take a boating safety course to
	ensure optimal protection while on the water; and
	WHEREAS, Responsible boating practices help ensure safe and
	enjoyable water recreation and are of paramount importance to
	boaters of all ages and skill levels; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
	Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Kali Gorzell and
	encourage boaters and anglers to heed warning labels and to employ
	safe boating practices; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
	prepared for the Gorzell family in recognition of their steadfast
	resolve to educate the public on boating safety in the aftermath of
	their beloved daughter's passing.

	Larson

	______________________________
	Speaker of the House

	I certify that H.R. No. 937 was adopted by the House on April
	9, 2015, by the following vote: Yeas 143, Nays 0, 2 present, not
	voting.

	______________________________
	Chief Clerk of the House