S.B. No. 1247 aims to consolidate and simplify the regulations surrounding nonresident hunting licenses in Texas. The bill amends several sections of the Parks and Wildlife Code to create a unified "nonresident general hunting license," which will replace the previous nonresident hunting licenses and special licenses. Key changes include allowing nonresidents to acquire the same hunting privileges as residents, specifically for hunting migratory waterfowl, and establishing a fee of $100.75 for the nonresident general hunting license. Additionally, the bill introduces a nonresident five-day hunting license that is valid for five consecutive days but excludes certain game such as mule deer and alligators.

The bill also repeals several existing provisions related to nonresident hunting licenses, streamlining the licensing process. Notably, it removes the requirement for nonresidents to hold multiple types of licenses for different game, thereby simplifying compliance for hunters. 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 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)