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 to enforce game and fish laws or conduct scientific investigations, but introduces new restrictions under Subsection (a-1). Under this new provision, officers are prohibited from entering private property unless they have obtained the property owner's permission, have probable cause of a criminal offense, are executing a warrant, determine that an emergency exists, or are acting under another state or federal law exception to the warrant requirement.

The changes made by this bill will only apply to entries made on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. Any entries made prior to this date will be governed by the previous law, which remains in effect for those instances. This legislation aims to balance the enforcement of wildlife laws with the rights of private property owners, ensuring that officers have clear guidelines for when they can enter private lands.

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