H.B. No. 5259 proposes the establishment of a wildlife corridor action plan by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, aimed at enhancing wildlife connectivity and promoting driver safety. The bill introduces a new subchapter, Subchapter I, to Chapter 12 of the Parks and Wildlife Code, which includes definitions for key terms such as "wildlife corridor" and outlines the responsibilities of the department in developing the action plan. The plan will identify and prioritize wildlife crossing projects, assess existing barriers to wildlife movement, and recommend infrastructure or mitigation techniques to improve safety and connectivity.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the department coordinate with other state and federal agencies to incorporate wildlife corridor considerations into governmental strategic plans. It requires the department to maintain the plan on its website and provide periodic updates on the implementation of recommended projects. The plan must be submitted to key state officials by December 1, 2026, with the provision that the act will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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