The bill, S.B. No. 1285, aims to enhance the protection of bats in Texas by amending Section 63.101 of the Parks and Wildlife Code. It prohibits individuals from confining or hunting bats, as well as from selling, purchasing, or possessing bats or any part of them, whether dead or alive. However, it allows for the removal of bats from buildings occupied by people, provided that nonlethal exclusion methods are used. These methods must enable bats to exit but prevent their reentry, and they cannot be implemented during the period from May 1 to August 31, which is likely to protect bats during their breeding season.

Additionally, the bill specifies exceptions to these prohibitions for certain professionals, including animal control officers, peace officers, licensed pest control professionals, and health officials, who may capture bats they deem injured or diseased. It also allows for the transportation of bats for laboratory testing related to rabies exposure or for rehabilitation at registered facilities, provided the bats have not had prior exposure to humans. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Parks and Wildlife Code 63.101 (Parks and Wildlife Code 63)