H.B. No. 2842 amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to establish new regulations regarding the lethal control of white-tailed deer in specific areas. The bill requires entities such as political subdivisions, state and federal agencies, institutions of higher education, and property owners' associations to provide written notice to the department if they wish to control white-tailed deer populations through lethal means. This notice must include evidence demonstrating the necessity of such action, either to prevent damage to endangered species' habitats or to address overpopulation issues where recreational hunting is not feasible.

Additionally, the bill outlines the department's authority to inspect properties where such notices are filed to assess the situation. It also updates the permit application process for individuals or entities seeking to kill protected wildlife, ensuring that applications include relevant details about the damage or threat posed by the deer population. The bill introduces new provisions regarding the electronic issuance of permits and clarifies that certain employment arrangements for deer control do not fall under existing regulations. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Parks and Wildlife Code 43.151, Parks and Wildlife Code 43.1515, Parks and Wildlife Code 43.152, Parks and Wildlife Code 43.153, Parks and Wildlife Code 62.006 (Parks and Wildlife Code 43, Parks and Wildlife Code 62)
House Committee Report: Parks and Wildlife Code 43.151, Parks and Wildlife Code 43.1515, Parks and Wildlife Code 43.152, Parks and Wildlife Code 43.153, Parks and Wildlife Code 62.006 (Parks and Wildlife Code 43, Parks and Wildlife Code 62)
Engrossed: Parks and Wildlife Code 43.151, Parks and Wildlife Code 43.1515, Parks and Wildlife Code 43.152, Parks and Wildlife Code 43.153, Parks and Wildlife Code 62.006 (Parks and Wildlife Code 43, Parks and Wildlife Code 62)
Senate Committee Report: Parks and Wildlife Code 43.151, Parks and Wildlife Code 43.1515, Parks and Wildlife Code 43.152, Parks and Wildlife Code 43.153, Parks and Wildlife Code 62.006 (Parks and Wildlife Code 43, Parks and Wildlife Code 62)