S.B. No. 1285 aims to enhance the protection of bats in Texas by amending the Parks and Wildlife Code. The bill prohibits individuals from entombing or hunting live bats, as well as from selling, purchasing, or possessing bats or any parts thereof, whether dead or alive. However, exceptions are made for specific professionals, including animal control officers, peace officers, licensed pest control professionals, and health officials, who may capture bats they deem injured or diseased. Additionally, the bill allows for the transportation of bats for laboratory testing related to rabies exposure or for rehabilitation at permitted facilities, provided the bats have had no known prior exposure to humans.

The bill also removes the previous provision that allowed licensed pest control service providers to capture bats, thereby tightening the regulations surrounding bat protection. The changes are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Parks and Wildlife Code 63.101 (Parks and Wildlife Code 63)
Senate Committee Report: Parks and Wildlife Code 63.101 (Parks and Wildlife Code 63)
Engrossed: Parks and Wildlife Code 63.101 (Parks and Wildlife Code 63)
House Committee Report: Parks and Wildlife Code 63.101 (Parks and Wildlife Code 63)