87R4786 MP-F By: Gervin-Hawkins H.B. No. 2040 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to special open season hunting of certain migratory game birds by veterans and members of the United States armed forces on active duty. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 61.058, Parks and Wildlife Code, is amended by adding Subsection (c) to read as follows: (c) A special open season provided for by the commission under Subsection (a) may be combined with a special open season provided for by the commission under Section 61.059. SECTION 2. Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Parks and Wildlife Code, is amended by adding Section 61.059 to read as follows: Sec. 61.059. HUNTING OF CERTAIN MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS BY VETERANS AND ACTIVE DUTY ARMED FORCES MEMBERS. (a) The commission may provide for special open seasons during which the taking and possession of ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinules are restricted to veterans, as defined by 38 U.S.C. Section 101, and members of the armed forces of the United States on active duty, including members of the national guard and reserves on active duty other than for training. (b) A special open season provided for by the commission under Subsection (a) may be combined with a special open season provided for by the commission under Section 61.058. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2021.