Metcalf Bill Orders A Deer Disease Study And Nothing Else

The text as introduced · 434 words

By: Metcalf
H.B. No. 5458

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a study of the effectiveness of rules implemented by the

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department governing the management of

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 Texas Parks and Wildlife

Department.

SECTION 2. STUDY OF RULES AND POLICIES RELATING TO CHRONIC

WASTING DISEASE REQUIRED. (a) Using existing resources, the

department shall conduct a study assessing the effectiveness of all

agency rules and policies pertaining to the containment and

management of chronic wasting disease.

(b) The study required by Subsection (a) shall, to the

extent practicable:

(1) include a comparative analysis of the applicable

rules and policies implemented by the department and agencies of

other state governments responsible for containing and managing

chronic wasting disease;

(2) assess the overall benefits and deficiencies of

the applicable rules and policies;

(3) include a comparative analysis of cervid genotypes

to determine resistance to chronic wasting disease; and

(4) incorporate scientific and statistical data.

SECTION 3. PUBLIC INPUT REQUIRED. In conducting the study

required under Section 2(a), the department shall:

(1) hold a hearing in a publicly accessible location

to provide a public forum for the submission of written and oral

testimony from members of the public regarding the applicable rules

and policies; and

(2) provide an online forum on the department's

Internet website through which members of the public may submit

commentary regarding the applicable rules and policies for not less

than 60 days; and

(3) respond to each public comment submitted during

the hearing or through the Internet portal required by Subdivisions

(1) and (2) respectively.

SECTION 4. SUBMISSION DEADLINE. (a) Not later than

December 1, 2026, the department shall complete the study required

by Section 2(a) and provide a report regarding the study's findings

to:

(1) the governor;

(2) the lieutenant governor;

(3) the speaker of the house of representatives;

(4) each member of the committee of the senate having

primary jurisdiction over wildlife matters; and

(5) each member of the committee of the house of

representatives having primary jurisdiction over wildlife matters.

(b) The department shall make the report required by

Subsection (a) available to any member of the Legislature or any

member of the public upon 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.