SRC-SLL H.B. 1489 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1489 By: Turner, Bob (Wentworth) Natural Resources 5-12-97 Engrossed DIGEST Aoudad sheep are a non-indigenous species of sheep that in 1958 were introduced into the Palo Duro Canyon by the Texas Game and Fish Commission. At that time, special statutory protections were enacted to regulate hunting of aoudad sheep in the eight counties surrounding the canyon. Later, private landowners began to stock the sheep on their ranches and the species is flourishing. In all but the eight counties mentioned above, aoudad sheep are considered to be exotic species and hunting is dictated by management plans developed by private landowners. A similar situation exists with regard to elk. This bill will provide new regulations regarding aoudad sheep and elk. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 1489 provides new regulations regarding aoudad sheep and elk. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 42.005(a), Parks and Wildlife Code, to delete a provision prohibiting a nonresident in this state from hunting aoudad sheep or elk in certain counties without first having acquired a general nonresident hunting license. SECTION 2. Amends Section 43.103(3), Parks and Wildlife Code, to redefine "exotic animals" to include aoudad sheep and elk. SECTION 3. Amends Section 44.006, Parks and Wildlife Code, to delete a provision authorizing the holder of a valid game breeder's license to sell or hold in captivity for the purpose of propagation or sale, elk in any county in which elk is a game animal. SECTION 4. Amends Section 61.056, Parks and Wildlife Code, as follows: Sec. 61.056. New heading: PROCLAMATIONS CONCERNING CERTAIN DEER AND ANTELOPE. Provides that a proclamation of the Parks and Wildlife Commission authorizing the taking of antlerless deer or antelope in this state is not effective for a specific tract of land unless the landowner or the landowner's agent agrees in writing to the number of antlerless deer or antelope permits authorized for the property. Makes conforming and nonsubstantive changes. SECTION 5. Amends Section 61.057, Parks and Wildlife Code, as follows: Sec. 61.057. New heading: ANTLERLESS DEER AND ANTELOPE. Deletes a reference to an antlerless deer or antelope permit distributed by the Parks and Wildlife Department. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 6. Amends Section 62.015(a), Parks and Wildlife Code, to make a conforming change. SECTION 7. Amends Section 67.001(a), Parks and Wildlife Code, to make a conforming change. SECTION 8. Repealer: Sections 63.001(c) and (d), Parks and Wildlife Code (Regarding aoudad sheep and wild elk). SECTION 9. Emergency clause. Effective date: 90 days after adjournment.