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 entities such as political subdivisions, state and federal agencies, institutions of higher education, and property owners' associations to provide written notice to the department, demonstrating the necessity for lethal control due to either damage to endangered species' habitats or overpopulation of deer where recreational hunting is not feasible. The bill also outlines the department's authority to inspect properties and assess deer management plans based on the submitted evidence.

Additionally, the bill introduces new rules for the issuance of permits related to wildlife control, including the electronic issuance of permits and the methods for killing protected wildlife. It 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 62, Parks and Wildlife Code 43)
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 62, Parks and Wildlife Code 43)
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 62, Parks and Wildlife Code 43)
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 62, Parks and Wildlife Code 43)
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 62, Parks and Wildlife Code 43)