Texas HB 2213 – Relating to the slaughter and processing of exotic animals for donation to a nonprofit food bank: UPDATE!
Texas Representative John Frullo (R-District 84) introduced legislation (H.B. No. 2213) to allow for the donation of exotic animals to nonprofit food banks. Hunters donate thousands of pounds of white-tailed deer meat to nonprofits each year, to be used as a protein source for food banks, which feed thousands of people. The donation of exotic animals (Axis deer for example) is not currently allowed in the state of Texas. The amount of donated meat would greatly increase if the donation of exotics would be allowed. Please ask your Texas Representatives and Senators to co-sponsor this bill and to vote in favor of passage. HSC provided testimony in favor of the bill before the House Public Health Committee on 03/24/21. The bill was approved in the House and the Senate and has been sent to the Governor for signature. Learn more HERE
Texas HB 2757 – Relating to the eligibility of certain nonprofit wildlife conservation associations to conduct charitable raffles: UPDATE!
This piece of legislation has been revised to allow for four (4) raffles per year vs. the current restriction of two (2) per year and to increase value of a prize offered or awarded at a raffle that is purchased by the organization or for which the organization provides from $50,000 to $75,000. The bill has been approved in the House and Senate and has been sent to the Governor for signature. HSC had requested the bill markup include provisions to allow nonprofits the ability to sell raffle tickets beyond an organization’s previously identified supporters, market a raffle statewide to the general public via mass communication and sell raffle tickets online. The bill was approved in the House and has been received in the Senate. HSC is currently evaluating options to introduce language via a Senate companion bill that is more beneficial to nonprofit fundraising efforts and feels the language in the current bill is more limiting than helpful. Learn more HERE
HSC joins in support of purchase of new helicopter for TPWD
HSCF joined forces with several other groups to ask the Texas legislature to support a much-needed purchase of a new helicopter for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The aircraft will be used for various purposes, from wildlife surveys to law enforcement and search and rescue duties. TPWD requested to fund the $6.5 million purchase price from Fund 9. Read letter HERE
HSC requests support for wildlife crossing measures advanced by the Environment and Public Works Committee during the 116th Congress
HSC, in tandem with other wildlife conservation groups, expressed their support for the bipartisan wildlife crossing measures advanced by the Environment and Public Works Committee during the 116th Congress. These wildlife crossings will be crucial to help reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and enhance fish and wildlife habitat connectivity. Read letter HERE
HSC supports passage of Texas Sunset bill to support TPWD
HSC, in association with several other conservation groups, expressed their support to the Texas legislature to pass the Sunset bill (SB 700) in support of funding and the continuation of operations for the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. For more information go HERE
