H.B. No. 1379 amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to clarify the authority of game wardens and other peace officers commissioned by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department regarding entry onto private property. The bill specifies that these officers may enter private land or water only under certain conditions, which include obtaining permission from the property owner, having probable cause of a criminal offense, executing a warrant, determining an emergency that poses a danger to public health or safety, or acting under another state or federal law exception to the warrant requirement.

Additionally, the bill removes the previous language that allowed officers to enter land or water without restrictions while enforcing game and fish laws. The changes will apply only to entries made on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that any entries made prior to this date will still be governed by the existing law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Parks and Wildlife Code 12.103 (Parks and Wildlife Code 12)