Bill > HB5259

This bill requires the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to develop a comprehensive Wildlife Corridor Action Plan by December 1, 2026, aimed at promoting driver safety and wildlife connectivity. The plan will use scientific surveys to identify and map critical wildlife corridors, including areas with high risks of vehicle-wildlife collisions, important habitats for rare or at-risk species, migration routes, and existing human-made barriers like roads and infrastructure. The department must consult with the Texas Department of Transportation and create detailed maps highlighting priority areas for wildlife crossing projects, recommending specific infrastructure and mitigation techniques for each proposed project. Additionally, the bill mandates that the department assist other state and federal agencies in incorporating wildlife corridor considerations into their strategic plans, and requires ongoing publication and periodic updates of the plan on the department's website. The legislation defines a "wildlife corridor" as a designated area connecting wildlife populations and habitats that would otherwise be separated by human activities, with the ultimate goal of protecting both wildlife and human safety.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB5259