The bill amends Section 43.955(a) of the Parks and Wildlife Code to clarify that the department will be responsible for all costs associated with the epidemiological assessment and destruction of certain deer, including disposal costs. The previous requirement for the applicable permit holder to pay these costs has been removed. Additionally, the bill repeals Sections 43.955(b) and (c), which may have contained previous stipulations regarding cost payments.

The changes made by this Act will only apply to costs arising from assessments or deer destruction that occur on or after the effective date of the legislation. The Act will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Parks and Wildlife Code 43.955 (Parks and Wildlife Code 43)