Texas House Bill HB2671

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/15/09

Caption

Relating to the requirement to keep records of game bird or animal carcasses placed in a cold storage or processing facility.

Impact

This legislation impacts existing state laws concerning the treatment and processing of game animals. By establishing clear definitions, including what constitutes a public cold storage or processing facility, HB2671 reinforces the guidelines under which these facilities must operate. Additionally, it clarifies that private family-owned facilities are not subjected to the same requirements unless they are located on a hunting lease, recognizing the need for more regulation of public versus private storage practices.

Summary

House Bill 2671 addresses the requirement for record-keeping related to game bird or animal carcasses stored in cold storage or processing facilities. The bill modifies several sections of the Parks and Wildlife Code, particularly focusing on the definitions and requirements for public cold storage facilities that process game animals. The bill aims to improve oversight and tracking of game carcasses within the state, enhancing accountability for facilities that manage these animal products.

Contention

While the bill may have support from wildlife management advocates who see the necessity for better regulation of game processing, there could be contention regarding the additional burden on small operators who may have to comply with record-keeping requirements. Moreover, the delineation between public and private facilities may incite discussions about the adequacy of protections for game animals against over-regulation, which some stakeholders fear could infringe on personal hunting and storage freedoms.