(a) The department may allow depuration by artificial means of molluscan shellfish taken from a restricted or conditionally restricted area, subject to department rules and under the supervision the department considers necessary to protect public health.

Text of subsection effective until January 01, 2025

(b) A molluscan shellfish plant operator may employ an off-duty peace officer to monitor the gathering of shellfish for depuration from a restricted or conditionally restricted area as provided by the rules adopted under Subsection (a). In this subsection, “peace officer” includes those persons listed in Article 2.12, Code of Criminal Procedure.

Text of subsection effective on January 01, 2025

(b) A molluscan shellfish plant operator may employ an off-duty peace officer to monitor the gathering of shellfish for depuration from a restricted or conditionally restricted area as provided by the rules adopted under Subsection (a). In this subsection, “peace officer” includes those persons listed in Article 2A.001, Code of Criminal Procedure.