H.B. No. 5458 mandates the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to conduct a comprehensive study on the effectiveness of its rules and policies regarding the management of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in cervids. The study will utilize existing resources and will include a comparative analysis of rules from other state agencies, assess the benefits and deficiencies of current policies, analyze cervid genotypes for resistance to CWD, and incorporate scientific data. The department is also required to engage the public by holding a hearing for testimony and providing an online forum for comments, ensuring that all public input is addressed.

The bill stipulates that the study must be completed by December 1, 2026, with a report submitted to key state officials and committees. This report will be made available to the public at no cost. The act is set to expire on May 31, 2027, and will take effect on September 1, 2025.