Regular Session
Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis
SB1353 establishes a standalone regulatory framework for Cameron County maritime pilots, most notably capping pilot liability at $1,000 per incident and explicitly extending pilotage mandates to autonomous vessels. Vessel owners, shipping agents, and consignees operating in the Port of Brownsville must immediately restructure insurance coverage and vendor agreements to address this shift in liability and statutory fee responsibility.
Sen. Adam Hinojosa·Senate Bill·Regular Session
Office of the Governor (Issuance of Commissions) • Pilot Board of a navigation district in Cameron County (Navigation and Canal Commissioners) • Secretary of State (Bond Depository)
This legislation has regulatory implications for the following Texas businesses and organizations:
Notable regulatory updates (effective 2025-09-01). Consider how these changes may affect your operations.
Affected business types:
mediumModerate costs expected for implementation.
JD Key Consulting provides government affairs and regulatory strategy services. We help businesses navigate Texas agencies, understand legislative impacts, and advocate for their interests.
JD Key Consulting provides strategic guidance on Texas regulatory compliance and legislative impact for your business.
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
JD Key Consulting specializes in Texas regulatory compliance strategy. Work directly with James Dickey—former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas—to understand this bill's impact on your operations and develop an actionable compliance plan.
Schedule a ConsultationInformation presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
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Common questions about SB1353
SB1353 establishes a standalone regulatory framework for Cameron County maritime pilots, most notably capping pilot liability at $1,000 per incident and explicitly extending pilotage mandates to autonomous vessels. Vessel owners, shipping agents, and consignees operating in the Port of Brownsville must immediately restructure insurance coverage and vendor agreements to address this shift in liability and statutory fee responsibility.
SB1353 was authored by Texas Senator Adam Hinojosa during the Regular Session.
SB1353 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.
SB1353 is enforced by Office of the Governor (Issuance of Commissions), Pilot Board of a navigation district in Cameron County (Navigation and Canal Commissioners) and Secretary of State (Bond Depository).
The regulatory priority for SB1353 is rated as "moderate". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.
The cost impact of SB1353 is estimated as "medium". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
SB1353 addresses topics including cameron county, occupational regulation, occupational regulation--other trades & professions, special districts & authorities and special districts & authorities--navigation & ports.
Key dates for SB1353: Effective date is 2025-09-01. Rulemaking: Authorized to adopt and enforce rules regarding appointment, qualification, and regulation of pilots. (No specific statutory deadline). Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.
SB1353 establishes the following penalties: civil penalty of Twice the applicable pilotage rate for Vessel moving in jurisdiction without a pilot when required (declining available services).; civil penalty of Twice the current pilotage rate for Unauthorized person (non-pilot) providing pilot services.; administrative penalty of Forfeiture of appointment for Branch pilot appointing a deputy branch pilot without Pilot Board approval.. Consult with legal counsel for specific applicability to your situation.
JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.
