89R3717 MP-D
By: Gervin-Hawkins H.B. No. 676
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the use of an unmanned aircraft to locate and retrieve
wounded or killed wildlife.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 62, Parks and Wildlife
Code, is amended by adding Section 62.0115 to read as follows:
Sec. 62.0115. USE OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT FOR LOCATING AND
RETRIEVING WOUNDED OR KILLED WILDLIFE. (a) To the extent permitted
by federal law, a person may use an unmanned aircraft to assist in
locating and retrieving wounded or killed wildlife on private land.
The unmanned aircraft must be operated in compliance with:
(1) each applicable Federal Aviation Administration
rule, restriction, or exemption; and
(2) all required Federal Aviation Administration
authorizations.
(b) The commission may adopt rules as necessary to
administer this section, except that the commission may not adopt a
rule that requires a person to hold an authorization issued by the
department or commission to use an unmanned aircraft as described
by Subsection (a).
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.