88R10860 MP-F
 
  By: Ashby H.B. No. 5239
 
 
 
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 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)  The department may waive the costs associated with the
  destruction under this subchapter of breeder deer at a facility
  covered by a permit issued under Subchapter L if:
               (1)  a breeder deer at the facility has tested positive
  for chronic wasting disease in a test performed by an accredited
  testing laboratory; and
               (2)  the department determines that the breeder deer's
  infection with chronic wasting disease was not the fault of the
  permit holder.
         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.