S.B. No. 2649 proposes the establishment of a statewide Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) plan in Texas, specifically addressing the management of CWD in deer populations. The bill amends the Parks and Wildlife Code and the Agriculture Code by adding Subchapter Q and Subchapter I, respectively. These new sections mandate the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences to evaluate the management of CWD by the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife and the Texas Animal Health Commission since 2015. The evaluation will include a comparison of Texas's management strategies with those of other states, national standards, and generally accepted practices related to CWD.

Furthermore, the bill requires the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences to create a comprehensive Statewide Chronic Wasting Disease Plan that outlines effective strategies and policies. The executive directors of both the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife and the Texas Animal Health Commission are tasked with implementing the practices described in this plan. Additionally, the College is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the plan and must report its findings to the legislature, the lieutenant governor, and the Texas Sunset Commission before each legislative session. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that vote is not achieved.

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