The bill amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to update the identification requirements for breeder deer. Key changes include the requirement for breeder deer to be identified by an electronic identification device approved by the United States Department of Agriculture, which must have a 15-digit animal identification number starting with 840. The bill specifies that if the electronic device is a button tag, it must be attached to the ear, and if it is an implant, it cannot be placed in edible muscle. Additionally, the bill mandates that deer breeders must replace any dislodged or damaged electronic identification devices immediately and establishes that the department will maintain a database of these devices for tracking purposes.

The bill also repeals several existing provisions related to breeder deer identification, including certain requirements for tags and tattoos. It clarifies that a tattoo must be applied to the inner ear of the deer and must correspond with the unique identifier of the electronic device. The changes will only apply to breeder deer born on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025, ensuring that those born before this date will continue to be governed by the previous laws.

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