By: Perry S.B. No. 1372

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to costs associated with the destruction of certain deer.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 43.955, Parks and Wildlife Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 43.955. COST OF ASSESSMENT AND DESTRUCTION OF DEER [RECOVERY]. (a) The applicable permit holder shall pay all costs associated with:

(1) an epidemiological assessment conducted under this subchapter to the animal health commission; and

(2) except as provided by Subsection (b), the destruction of deer under this subchapter to the department.

(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), the department shall waive the costs associated with the destruction under this subchapter of breeder deer at a facility covered by a permit issued under Subchapter L where a breeder deer has tested positive for chronic wasting disease in a test performed by a testing laboratory accredited by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the United States Department of Agriculture.

(c) The department may not waive costs under Subsection (b) if the department determines that the permit holder or an agent of the permit holder, in violation of this chapter or a regulation of the commission, caused:

(1) the introduction of chronic wasting disease into the facility; or

(2) a delay in the detection of chronic wasting disease at the facility.

SECTION 2. Section 43.955, Parks and Wildlife Code, as amended by this Act, applies only to the payment of costs arising from the destruction of deer commenced on or after the effective date of this Act.

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, 2023.