Bill > SB2844

This bill modifies regulations for deer breeding facilities in Texas, primarily focusing on enclosure sizes and establishing new criminal offenses. The bill reduces the maximum size of a single deer breeding enclosure from 100 to 20 acres, with a grandfather clause allowing existing facilities with permits issued before September 1, 2025, to maintain up to 100 acres, but prohibiting further expansion. The legislation significantly expands the list of criminal offenses related to deer breeding, including unlawful hunting, improper sales or transfers of deer, failure to report deer mortality, non-compliance with disease testing requirements, and knowingly possessing or importing deer illegally. The bill introduces a tiered penalty system with varying levels of misdemeanors and a state jail felony, depending on the specific violation and whether the offender has prior convictions. Penalties range from Class C misdemeanors for minor infractions to a state jail felony for repeated false disease testing, with more serious violations like unlawful deer possession or transfer potentially resulting in Class A or B misdemeanors. The new regulations and criminal provisions aim to enhance oversight and accountability in the deer breeding industry, with the changes taking effect on September 1, 2025.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB2844