S.B. No. 1247 aims to consolidate and clarify the regulations surrounding nonresident hunting licenses in Texas. The bill amends several sections of the Parks and Wildlife Code to establish a "nonresident general hunting license," which will replace the previous nonresident hunting licenses. Key changes include allowing nonresidents to acquire the same privileges as residents when holding a nonresident general hunting license, and specifying that a nonresident five-day hunting license will not be valid for certain game, including mule deer and alligators. The fee for the nonresident general hunting license is set at $100.75 or an amount determined by the commission.

Additionally, the bill repeals several existing provisions related to nonresident hunting licenses, streamlining the licensing process. It removes the distinction between different types of nonresident hunting licenses, thereby simplifying the requirements for nonresidents wishing to hunt in Texas. The changes are set to take effect on September 1, 2025, following the bill's passage in both the Senate and House with unanimous support.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Parks and Wildlife Code 41.003, Parks and Wildlife Code 42.005, Parks and Wildlife Code 42.0141, Parks and Wildlife Code 42.0143, Parks and Wildlife Code 42.0175, Parks and Wildlife Code 42.022, Parks and Wildlife Code 49.010 (Parks and Wildlife Code 41, Parks and Wildlife Code 49, Parks and Wildlife Code 42)
Senate Committee Report: Parks and Wildlife Code 41.003, Parks and Wildlife Code 42.005, Parks and Wildlife Code 42.0141, Parks and Wildlife Code 42.0143, Parks and Wildlife Code 42.0175, Parks and Wildlife Code 42.022 (Parks and Wildlife Code 41, Parks and Wildlife Code 49, Parks and Wildlife Code 42)
Engrossed: Parks and Wildlife Code 41.003, Parks and Wildlife Code 42.005, Parks and Wildlife Code 42.0141, Parks and Wildlife Code 42.0143, Parks and Wildlife Code 42.0175, Parks and Wildlife Code 42.022 (Parks and Wildlife Code 41, Parks and Wildlife Code 49, Parks and Wildlife Code 42)
House Committee Report: Parks and Wildlife Code 41.003, Parks and Wildlife Code 42.005, Parks and Wildlife Code 42.0141, Parks and Wildlife Code 42.0143, Parks and Wildlife Code 42.0175, Parks and Wildlife Code 42.022 (Parks and Wildlife Code 41, Parks and Wildlife Code 49, Parks and Wildlife Code 42)
Enrolled: Parks and Wildlife Code 41.003, Parks and Wildlife Code 42.005, Parks and Wildlife Code 42.0141, Parks and Wildlife Code 42.0143, Parks and Wildlife Code 42.0175, Parks and Wildlife Code 42.022 (Parks and Wildlife Code 41, Parks and Wildlife Code 49, Parks and Wildlife Code 42)