Relating to the control by lethal means of white-tailed deer in certain areas.
HB 2842 allows certain land managers, such as political subdivisions, property associations, or institutions, to control white-tailed deer populations using lethal methods in specific situations. It requires these entities to submit written notice to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department demonstrating either (1) that deer are damaging habitats of endangered species or (2) that deer overpopulation exists on their property and recreational hunting isn’t feasible. The department must inspect the property before approving a permit for lethal control. The bill updates permit rules to include electronic issuance and reporting requirements, but does not authorize hunting for recreational purposes.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
May 2025
House Passage
May 2025
Senate Passage
May 2025
Signed into Law
Jun 2025
Introduced Mar 19, 2025
Signed Jun 22, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons
What changed between versions
Engrossed
→
Enrolled
·
5 edits
·
May 25, 2025
MODERATE
This bill amends the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code to establish a formal permit process for controlling white-tailed deer populations through lethal means. The changes clarify eligibility requirements, inspection procedures, and application criteria for both individuals and entities seeking to manage deer populations that threaten public safety or cause significant damage to agricultural interests.
Scope change
The bill expands the regulatory framework for lethal deer control by adding specific requirements for permits, inspections, and reporting, while maintaining the core authority for individuals and entities to manage deer populations under certain conditions.
REQUIREMENT
Added mandatory written notice requirements for individuals and entities seeking to control white-tailed deer populations, specifying evidence of damage or overpopulation.
Added specific application requirements including statements of facts, feasibility of recreational hunting, and agreements to comply with subchapter provisions.
ENFORCEMENT
Established new inspection procedures requiring the department to verify damage or threats before issuing permits for lethal deer control.
ELIGIBILITY
Clarified eligibility criteria for entities to control deer populations, distinguishing between individual property owners and organized entities like political subdivisions.
TIMELINE
Set the effective date of the act as September 1, 2025.
Floor votes · House Apr 29, 2025
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
59
Key actions
16
Committee
13
May 25, 2025
Upper · Passed
Signed in the Senate
upper
May 24, 2025
Lower · Passed
Signed in the House
lower
May 21, 2025
Lower · Passed
Senate passage reported
lower
May 21, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed
upper
May 19, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee report printed and distributed
upper
May 19, 2025
Upper · Passed
Reported favorably w/o amendments
upper
May 19, 2025
Upper · Passed
Vote taken in committee
upper
May 19, 2025
Upper · Passed
Testimony taken in committee
upper
May 5, 2025
Committee
Referred to Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs
upper
May 5, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
upper
Apr 30, 2025
Introduced
Received from the House
upper
Apr 30, 2025
Lower · Passed
Passed
lower
Apr 29, 2025
Lower · Passed
Passed to engrossment
lower
Apr 25, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee report sent to Calendars
lower
Apr 25, 2025
Lower · Passed
Returned to Calendars Committee
lower
Apr 9, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee report distributed
lower
Apr 3, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported favorably as substituted
lower
Apr 3, 2025
Committee
Recommended to be sent to Local & Consent
lower
Mar 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
Left pending in committee
lower
Mar 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
Testimony taken/registration(s) recorded in committee
lower
Mar 19, 2025
Committee
Referred to Culture, Recreation & Tourism
lower
Mar 19, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
lower
5 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Charles Perry
RRepublican
P
Cody Vasut
RRepublican
P
Erin Zwiener
DDemocratic
P
Sheryl Cole
DDemocratic
P
Will Metcalf
RRepublican
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about HB 2842
Scope: TX
Hi! I can help you understand HB 2842. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline