S.B. No. 1248 amends the Parks and Wildlife Code by adding Section 11.0305, which establishes new regulations regarding the disclosure of harvest report information submitted to the Parks and Wildlife Department. The bill stipulates that information related to recreational harvests of various game animals, birds, and aquatic life cannot be disclosed unless authorized by this section or Section 12.014. It clarifies that Chapter 552 of the Government Code does not apply to this information and allows for disclosure to law enforcement agencies only if they provide a lawfully issued subpoena. Additionally, the department may share statistical data that does not identify individuals or specific locations.

The bill further outlines specific conditions under which the department can disclose information, including to individuals identified in the report, governmental bodies for official purposes, or entities contracted with the department that have signed nondisclosure agreements. It also provides immunity from civil liability for unintentional violations of this section and clarifies that references to the department include its agents. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and apply to disclosures made on or after that date, regardless of when the report was submitted.

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