Enrolled Bill Summary

Senate Bill 1582 amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to authorize the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to issue a permit to a political subdivision or property owners' association to trap and transport surplus white-tailed deer found within its boundaries. The bill requires the permit to contain specific instructions about where the deer are to be transported or transplanted and authorizes the department to deny a permit if no suitable destination for the deer exists. A permittee must ensure safe and humane handling of the deer and minimize human health and safety hazards in removing the deer. A permit normally is valid only between October 1 and March 31. If the deer pose a threat to human health and safety, a permit may be valid at any time and the provision requiring a suitable destination for the deer does not apply. A permit does not entitle a person to take deer found on privately owned land without the landowner's written permission. The bill prohibits the department from charging a fee for the permit.