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

Additionally, the bill outlines the department's authority to inspect properties related to these notices and to assess deer management plans. It also modifies the application process for permits to kill protected wildlife, requiring applicants to provide detailed information about the damage or threat posed by the deer, the feasibility of recreational hunting, and the need to control overpopulation. The bill includes provisions for the electronic issuance of permits and clarifies that certain entities employing individuals for deer control under a permit are exempt from specific 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)
Enrolled: 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)