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 hunt a broader range of species, such as alligators, under this new license. Additionally, the bill specifies that nonresidents may acquire multiple five-day hunting licenses during a license year, with the fee for these licenses set at a maximum of 50% of the general hunting license fee.

The bill also repeals several existing provisions that are deemed redundant or unnecessary, streamlining the licensing process for nonresidents. Notably, it removes the distinction between different types of nonresident hunting licenses, simplifying the requirements for nonresidents wishing to hunt in Texas. The changes are set to take effect on September 1, 2025, following unanimous approval in both the Senate and House.

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 49, Parks and Wildlife Code 41, 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 49, Parks and Wildlife Code 41, 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 49, Parks and Wildlife Code 41, 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 49, Parks and Wildlife Code 41, 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 49, Parks and Wildlife Code 41, Parks and Wildlife Code 42)