Texas House Bill HB1965

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/9/09
• Voted on by House: 4/23/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/13/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/18/09
• Governor Action: 5/29/09
• Enrolled: 5/23/09
• Passed: 5/29/09

Caption

Relating to permits to control protected wildlife; providing a penalty.

Impact

The bill amends several sections of the Parks and Wildlife Code, establishing clearer guidelines and requirements for obtaining permits to manage protected wildlife. The enforcement of these new permit rules is designed to protect wildlife populations while allowing landowners to take necessary actions when faced with serious threats. Moreover, it also includes provisions for the reinstatement of permits that may have been previously canceled, punctuating the flexibility intended in managing wildlife interactions.

Summary

House Bill 1965 pertains to the management of protected wildlife populations in Texas, particularly in situations where these animals pose threats to public safety or cause significant damage to agricultural, horticultural, or aquacultural interests. Under the new regulations proposed by the bill, individuals who encounter such issues are required to submit written notification to the relevant authorities prior to taking lethal action against the wildlife. This aims to ensure a systematic approach to wildlife control, while also safeguarding the interests of property owners and the wider community.

Contention

There are points of contention regarding the parameters defined in the bill about what constitutes a threat and the processes for reporting and managing damaged crops or livestock. Stakeholders have voiced concerns about potential bureaucratic delays in obtaining permits which could hinder swift action in emergencies. Additionally, the bill imposes penalties for violations of the reporting requirements, which could be seen as punitive by some landowners who already face pressures from wildlife-related challenges.