H.B. No. 654, also known as the Asp-Morgan Act, introduces provisions for the dismissal of certain criminal charges related to the illegal hunting of specific deer species in Texas. The bill allows courts to defer proceedings for up to 180 days for defendants charged with violations concerning the hunting of mule deer or white-tailed deer, provided the violation is based on a minor discrepancy in antler spread measurement (one inch or less). To qualify for dismissal, defendants must report the offense to a game warden, not retain possession of the deer carcass, and complete a hunter education course within the deferral period. The bill outlines specific conditions under which charges can be dismissed and stipulates that such dismissals will not be considered convictions for licensing purposes.

Additionally, the bill authorizes courts to impose reimbursement fees related to the administration of the hunter education course, with a maximum fee of $10 for both the court's administrative costs and the course provider's costs. It also specifies that indigent defendants cannot be required to pay these fees. The changes in law will apply only to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

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