Texas House Bill HB4543

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/12/25

Caption

Relating to the removal of a fence surrounding a breeder deer release site.

Impact

This legislation impacts state laws by establishing a clear framework for landowners to follow when desiring to decommission these fences, which has implications for wildlife management and land use practices. By setting specific epidemiological standards for certifying the absence of CWD, the bill aims to balance landowners' rights with the responsibility of managing wildlife health and safety. It reinforces the regulatory measures necessary to ensure that the risks associated with deer farming and the disease are adequately addressed, reflecting an evolving approach to wildlife management in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 4543 seeks to amend the Parks and Wildlife Code specifically concerning the management of breeder deer release sites in Texas. The bill allows landowners of registered release sites to remove the fences that enclose these areas after certain conditions are met. Primarily, these conditions include the passage of a minimum of five years since the last release of breeder deer, the notification of adjacent landowners about the intention to remove fencing, and a certification from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department that verifies the absence of chronic wasting disease (CWD) on the site.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding HB4543 may arise from environmental and wildlife advocacy groups concerned about the implications of removing such barriers. Critics argue that the potential for disease spread increases when containment measures are relaxed, advocating for stricter measures to protect both wild and domestically raised deer populations. The bill could also draw attention from stakeholders in the agriculture and wildlife conservation sectors, as it navigates the intersection of agriculture practices and wildlife disease management.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Parks And Wildlife Code

• Chapter 43. Special Licenses And Permits
  • Section: 361