Texas Senate Bill SB97

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 11/12/24

Caption

Relating to the assessment, destruction, and release of certain deer.

Impact

The bill seeks to amend procedures that govern how deer may be assessed and potentially destroyed when health concerns arise. By requiring that a positive test result is needed before destruction can occur, it puts emphasis on the humane treatment of animals. The change is seen as a balance between protecting public health and preserving the state's wildlife population. Additionally, these alterations aim to facilitate better management strategies that prevent unnecessary destruction of deer that may pose no health risk.

Summary

SB97 is a legislative proposal aimed at revising certain regulations surrounding the assessment, destruction, and release of deer within Texas. This bill modifies existing statutes in the Parks and Wildlife Code to allow for more streamlined processes regarding the release of breeder deer that test negative during an epidemiological assessment. Specifically, it allows released deer to be returned to the wild within 14 days of obtaining a negative test result, thus enhancing the management of wildlife populations while ensuring animal health standards are met.

Contention

While proponents argue this bill will improve the efficiency of deer management and reduce the number of animals unnecessarily destroyed, there are potential points of contention. Critics may raise concerns regarding the adequacy of testing procedures and the implications of releasing animals back into the wild shortly after testing negative, fearing it may lead to the spread of disease if not managed correctly. Therefore, the bill emphasizes the need for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission to adopt or amend rules to enhance compliance with these new regulations, ensuring that health risks are minimized and that local ecosystems remain protected.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Parks And Wildlife Code

• Chapter 43. Special Licenses And Permits
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 953
  • Section: 954