The bill, H.B. No. 3831, amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to establish new identification requirements for breeder deer. It specifies that by March 31 of the year following a breeder deer's birth, the deer must be identified using an electronic identification device approved by the United States Department of Agriculture, which must have a unique 15-digit animal identification number starting with 840. The bill also mandates that if the electronic device is dislodged or damaged, it must be replaced immediately with another electronic identification device that meets the same requirements. Additionally, the bill requires that the identification number associated with the electronic device be entered into a database maintained by the department to ensure valid identification.

Furthermore, the bill repeals certain existing provisions related to breeder deer identification, including specific tagging and tattooing requirements. It clarifies that a tattoo must be applied to the inner ear of the deer, bearing the same unique identifier as the electronic device. The changes in law will only apply to breeder deer born on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025, while those born before this date will continue to be governed by the previous law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Parks and Wildlife Code 43.3561 (Parks and Wildlife Code 43)