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 when recreational hunting is not feasible.

Additionally, the bill outlines the department's authority to inspect properties and habitats in response to these notices to assess the situation. It also includes provisions for the commission to adopt rules related to the issuance of permits for wildlife control, including the methods and locations for killing protected wildlife. Notably, the bill clarifies that certain sections of the code do not apply to entities or individuals employed to control deer under a permit, ensuring that those engaged in this activity are not subject to the same restrictions as other wildlife management practices. 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)