Texas House Bill HB1025

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/11/11
• Introduced: 1/31/11
• Refer: 2/28/11
• Report Pass: 4/4/11

Caption

Relating to the trapping and transport of surplus white-tailed deer.

Impact

By amending Section 43.0612 of the Parks and Wildlife Code, HB 1025 streamlines the process involved in handling surplus white-tailed deer. The legislation stipulates that applications for permits must be submitted no later than 30 days prior to planned trapping activities. Furthermore, the bill outlines conditions under which permits can be denied and emphasizes the importance of safe and humane treatment of the trapped deer. The amended law aims to ensure that trapped deer are relocated safely, thereby addressing both wildlife management and public safety.

Summary

House Bill 1025 aims to address the issues surrounding the trapping and transport of surplus white-tailed deer within Texas. The bill specifies that qualified individuals, political subdivisions, or property owners' associations can obtain a permit to trap and transport these deer when an overpopulation situation is verified. This move is presented as a necessary step for managing deer populations effectively, particularly in urban areas where overpopulation can lead to safety concerns and ecological imbalances.

Contention

The bill did not come without points of contention. Concerns were raised around the implications of allowing such trapping and transport, especially regarding the handling of deer and the management protocols linked to the permits. Debate may arise around the criteria for determining overpopulation and the responsibilities placed on permit holders to ensure humane treatment. There is also the challenge of ensuring that suitable destinations for relocation are available, which may not always be feasible, thus placing further scrutiny on the implementation of this bill if it becomes law.