Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2651

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the regulation of chronic wasting disease and the establishment of a pilot program to breed deer resistant to chronic wasting disease.

Impact

The introduction of this bill could bring significant changes to the existing laws around wildlife management. In particular, it outlines the department's authority to restrict deer movement, which could affect breeding practices and operations in related facilities. The requirement for movement restrictions only extends to a defined area surrounding an infected enclosure, thus balancing public health needs with the interests of deer breeders. Furthermore, the pilot program emphasizes collecting genetic data and raising deer that carry traits for resistance to CWD, which may alter future breeding practices.

Summary

SB2651 focuses on the regulation of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer populations and establishes a pilot program aimed at breeding deer that are genetically resistant to this disease. The bill seeks to address the public health concerns associated with CWD, a neurodegenerative disease affecting deer and other cervids, by implementing strict controls and testing protocols for affected facilities. It empowers the state wildlife department to impose movement restrictions on deer within breeder facilities and release sites where CWD is diagnosed, ensuring that infected populations do not spread further.

Contention

Despite its intent to combat CWD, SB2651 may face contention from various stakeholders. Deer breeders, for instance, may argue that overly restrictive measures could hinder their operations or impose financial burdens due to required compliance with new testing protocols. Additionally, questions about the effectiveness of the proposed genetic improvements and the implications for wildlife ecosystems could lead to debates. This highlights the tension between wildlife health management and economic interests regarding deer breeding and hunting activities.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Parks And Wildlife Code

  • Chapter 12. Powers And Duties Concerning Wildlife
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX HB4932

Identical Relating to the regulation of chronic wasting disease and the establishment of a pilot program to breed deer resistant to chronic wasting disease.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2791

Relating to costs associated with ante-mortem testing of breeder deer for chronic wasting disease.

TX HB1403

Relating to the establishment by certain counties and hospital districts of disease control pilot programs to reduce the risk of certain infectious and communicable diseases; authorizing fees.

TX SB634

Relating to prior authorization for prescription drug benefits related to the treatment of chronic and autoimmune diseases.

TX SB1150

Relating to prior authorization for prescription drug benefits related to the treatment of chronic and autoimmune diseases.

TX SB773

Relating to access to certain investigational drugs, biological products, and devices used in clinical trials by patients with severe chronic diseases.

TX HB638

Relating to access to certain investigational drugs, biological products, and devices used in clinical trials by patients with severe chronic diseases.

TX HB2244

Relating to the establishment of a pilot project to provide supportive housing services through Medicaid to persons experiencing chronic homelessness.

TX HB4619

Relating to establishment of the Texas Rare Disease Advisory Council.

TX SB1408

Relating to establishment of the Texas Rare Disease Advisory Council.

TX HB1876

Relating to the Rita Littlefield Chronic Kidney Disease Centralized Resource Center established within the Health and Human Services Commission.

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