Senate Bill No. 2846 aims to strengthen wildlife disease control in Texas by creating a new subchapter in the Parks and Wildlife Code. It defines key terms related to wildlife diseases and grants the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department the authority to implement measures for the control and eradication of these diseases. The bill establishes criminal offenses for non-compliance with regulations concerning the handling and movement of affected wildlife, and it allows for the establishment of quarantines in affected areas. Violations of quarantine regulations can lead to penalties ranging from Class B to Class A misdemeanors, with the commission authorized to impose administrative fines of up to $5,000 for ongoing violations.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for the disposal of diseased wildlife carcasses and mandates timely reporting of certain wildlife diseases by veterinarians. It establishes penalties for the illegal importation of wildlife and outlines responsibilities for stakeholders in disease reporting. The bill also addresses the refusal to allow access for wildlife testing, classifying such refusals as misdemeanors with escalating penalties for repeat offenses. Furthermore, it repeals specific sections of the Agriculture Code and requires the Texas Animal Health Commission and the Parks and Wildlife Department to create a memorandum of understanding regarding disease control administration by September 1, 2026. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Agriculture Code 161.041 (Agriculture Code 161)
Senate Committee Report: Agriculture Code 161.041 (Agriculture Code 161)
Engrossed: Agriculture Code 161.041 (Agriculture Code 161)