Bill > SB98

This bill modifies the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code to change how costs are handled for epidemiological assessments and deer destruction. Under the new law, the department (rather than the permit holder) will be responsible for paying all costs associated with conducting epidemiological assessments of deer and their destruction, including disposal expenses. The bill repeals previous subsections (b) and (c) of the existing law related to these costs, effectively simplifying the cost allocation process. The changes will only apply to assessments and deer destruction activities that occur on or after the bill's effective date, which will be either immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote in the Texas legislature or September 1, 2025, if the immediate vote threshold is not met. This revision appears to shift financial responsibility for managing deer-related health and population control activities more directly to the state department, potentially providing more consistent and centralized handling of these costs.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB98