The bill, S.B. No. 2844, amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to regulate deer breeding and establish new criminal offenses related to the management of breeder deer. It modifies Section 43.360 to allow a single enclosure for breeder deer to contain up to 100 acres, provided that the facility's permit was issued and maintained prior to September 1, 2025, and that the enclosure existed before that date. Additionally, it introduces new provisions in Section 43.365, outlining various offenses for deer breeders, including failing to report mortality, not submitting disease test samples, and unlawfully possessing or transferring deer.

The bill also revises penalties for violations of the deer breeding regulations. It establishes a tiered system of misdemeanors, with Class C misdemeanors for general violations, escalating to Class B and Class A misdemeanors for more serious offenses, such as repeated violations or specific infractions related to disease testing and identification. Notably, a violation of certain provisions can result in a state jail felony if the offender has prior convictions for similar offenses. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and apply only to offenses committed after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Parks and Wildlife Code 43.360, Parks and Wildlife Code 43.365, Parks and Wildlife Code 43.367 (Parks and Wildlife Code 43)
Senate Committee Report: Parks and Wildlife Code 43.360, Parks and Wildlife Code 43.365, Parks and Wildlife Code 43.367 (Parks and Wildlife Code 43)
Engrossed: Parks and Wildlife Code 43.360, Parks and Wildlife Code 43.365, Parks and Wildlife Code 43.367 (Parks and Wildlife Code 43)