TX HB5458

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department must conduct a study using existing resources to assess the effectiveness of all agency rules and policies for containing and managing chronic wasting disease in cervids (deer, elk, and related animals)

Study must include a comparative analysis of chronic wasting disease management rules from other states, assessment of benefits and deficiencies of current policies, analysis of cervid genotypes for disease resistance, and incorporation of scientific data

Department must hold a public hearing for written and oral testimony, provide an online comment portal for at least 60 days, and respond to each public comment received

Report must be completed and submitted by December 1, 2026 to the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house, and members of legislative committees with wildlife jurisdiction

Act takes effect September 1, 2025 and expires May 31, 2027