By: Perry S.B. No. 2843

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a study of the effectiveness of rules and policies implemented by the Parks and Wildlife Department to manage and contain chronic wasting disease and of cervid resistance to chronic wasting disease.

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

SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. In this Act:

(1) "Chronic wasting disease" means a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy infecting cervids.

(2) "Department" means the Parks and Wildlife Department.

SECTION 2. STUDY RELATING TO CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE. (a) Using existing resources, the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M University--Kingsville, the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine, and The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, in conjunction with the department, shall conduct a study assessing:

(1) the effectiveness of rules and policies implemented by the department to manage and contain chronic wasting disease; and

(2) cervid resistance to chronic wasting disease.

(b) The study required by Subsection (a) of this section shall, to the extent practicable, include:

(1) a comparative analysis of the applicable rules and policies implemented by the department and agencies of other states responsible for managing and containing chronic wasting disease;

(2) an assessment of the benefits and deficiencies of the applicable rules and policies;

(3) a comparative analysis of cervid genotypes to determine resistance to chronic wasting disease; and

(4) scientific and statistical data relevant to Subdivisions (1)-(3) of this subsection.

SECTION 3. PUBLIC INPUT REQUIRED. In conducting the study required under Section 2(a) of this Act, the department shall:

(1) hold a hearing in a publicly accessible location to provide a public forum for the submission of written and oral comments from members of the public regarding the applicable rules and policies;

(2) for not less than 60 days, provide an online portal on the department's Internet website through which members of the public may submit comments regarding the applicable rules and policies; and

(3) respond to each public comment submitted:

(A) during the hearing required by Subdivision (1) of this section; or

(B) through the online portal required by Subdivision (2) of this section.

SECTION 4. REPORT. (a) Not later than December 1, 2026, the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M University--Kingsville, the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine, and The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute shall provide a report of the study's findings to:

(1) the department;

(2) the governor;

(3) the lieutenant governor;

(4) the speaker of the house of representatives; and

(5) each member of the standing committees of the senate and house of representatives having primary jurisdiction over wildlife matters.

(b) The Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M University--Kingsville, the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine, and The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute shall make the report required by Subsection (a) of this section available to any member of the legislature or any member of the public on request and at no cost to the requestor.

SECTION 5. EXPIRATION. This Act expires May 31, 2027.

SECTION 6. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.