Bills: SF2178 , SSB3120 , SSB3121 , SSB3127

Committee: Joint Natural Resources and Environment

Keywords: hunting licenses, fishing licenses, lifetime licenses, age eligibility, outdoor recreation, hunter education, online courses, hunting license, certification, natural resources, fur harvesting, veterans, licenses, hunting, Iowa, deer hunting, nonresident hunter, antlerless deer, antlered deer, any-sex deer

Transcript Highlights:

• I had four deer, so to say I had to go the... I had four deer.
• I applied it to the deer.
• Deer farming is a lifestyle. It's made. Deer farming is a lifestyle.
• No movement outside CWD zones of harvested deer or deer parts.
• Is that saying that in order for the deer... saying that in order for the deer to be tested, the deer

Bills: HB509

Committee: House Agriculture and Forestry

Keywords: HB509, game breeder, game breeder license, cervid, deer breeder, whitetail deer, elk, fallow deer, deer farm, captive deer, cervidae, wildlife disease, disease testing, antemortem testing, state veterinarian, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, property rights, private property, animal transfer, breeding stock

Bills: SF298 , SF331 , SF293 , SSB1063 , SSB1078 , SSB1132 , SSB1134 , SSB1041

Committee: Joint Natural Resources and Environment

Keywords: fishing fee, muskellunge, natural resources, state regulations, community events, youth hunting, deer license, hunting regulation, Iowa hunting laws, SF 293, SF 424, Iowa deer hunting, nonresident hunting license, special deer tags, deer license allocation, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, governor allocation, conservation organizations, wildlife habitat fee

Bills: HB609 , HB630 , HB654 , HB676

Committee: House Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Keywords: oyster mariculture, aquaculture, farming, water quality, regulations, outboard motors, certificate of title, vessel regulation, Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, marine documentation, hunter education, criminal charge, illegal hunting, mule deer, white-tailed deer, sustainability, wildlife conservation, unmanned aircraft, wildlife retrieval, Hunting

Bills: HB4568 , HB5458 , HB4543 , HB2703 , HB3728 , HCR113 , HCR126

Committee: House Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Keywords: film industry, incentives, grants, Texas, moving image, economic development, production companies, content standards, HB 5458, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD, chronic wasting disease, CWD, cervids, deer, elk, moose, wildlife management, game animals, disease management

Transcript Highlights:

• Alice Omeg, we have you here from the Texas Deer Coalition for House Bill 5458.
• Alice Omeg, we have you here from the Texas Deer Coalition for House Bill 5458.
• Alice Omeg, we have you here from the Texas Deer Coalition for House Bill 5458.
• Alice Omeg, we have you here from the Texas Deer Coalition for House Bill 5458.
• The Texas Deer Association has long been supportive of the idea of a study.

Bills: HB4568 , HB5458 , HB4543 , HB2703 , HB3728 , HCR113 , HCR126

Committee: House Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Keywords: film industry, incentives, grants, Texas, moving image, economic development, production companies, content standards, HB 5458, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD, chronic wasting disease, CWD, cervids, deer, elk, moose, wildlife management, game animals, disease management

Transcript Highlights:

• I will point out that our big deer in the state, if we try to take this back to antlers, as far as the
• top 50 deer in the state, we have not had a deer break the top 50 antlered bucks, the top 50 biggest
• top 50 deer in the state, we have not had a deer break the top 50 antlered bucks, the top 50 biggest
• Two of the three bucks must meet the spread and main beam criteria, and one can be any antlered deer.
• For kids, all three bucks can be any antlered deer.

Summary: The meeting began with roll call, adoption of the agenda, and approval of the prior minutes. The main presentation was from Julie Grenwald of Louisiana Hunters for the Hungry, who described the nonprofit’s protein donation programs, including freezer clean-out days, deer and fish processing partnerships, and a paused feral hog donation program that had collected about 3,500 hogs and 137,000 pounds of pork before funding ran short. She said the group has donated roughly 300,000 pounds of protein over two years, works with food banks and local agencies, and is protected under Louisiana’s Good Samaritan Law. Members asked about processor locations, exotic species, signage, sponsorships, and whether the program could expand to other invasive species or mobile drop-off options; Grenwald said expansion is possible if processors and funding are available. The task force then received a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries update from Jonathan Bordelon on chronic wasting disease testing. He reported more than 2,800 samples collected and over 2,300 results returned, with nine positives total: eight in Tensas Parish and one confirmed in Concordia Parish on Richard K. Yancey WMA, which triggered preparation of an emergency declaration and future rulemaking to adjust the control area. He said harvest and sampling remain near record levels, most samples are voluntary, and the agency continues to monitor symptomatic deer reports and public submissions. The final major presentation was from William McKinley of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, who gave a detailed overview of Mississippi’s CWD response. He said Mississippi has 529 detections across 18 counties, with prevalence rising from about one in 500 samples to about one in 80 statewide, and much higher in some counties. He described Mississippi’s surveillance system, targeted tags within three miles of positives, environmental sampling, feeder bans in CWD zones, and research showing contamination at feeders and in scrapes. He also discussed possible multiple strains, including one linked to the Wisconsin whitetail strain and another around Vicksburg/Issaquena, and said the disease appears to be expanding about 3.5 miles per year. Members asked about high-fence enclosures, live deer movement restrictions, baiting and feeding rules, hunter participation, and whether Louisiana should develop similar environmental testing capacity; no votes were taken on these issues, but members discussed possible future legislative or budget action.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will point out that our big deer in the state, if we try to take this back to antlers, as far as the
• top 50 deer in the state, we have not had a deer break the top 50 antlered bucks, the top 50 biggest
• older age class deer, we're actually seeing antler quality trickle downward, not upward, because of
• with so many people managing for older age class deer, we're actually seeing antlers quality trickled
• For kids, all three bucks can be any antlered deer.

Summary: The meeting began with roll call, approval of the agenda, and approval of the prior minutes, followed by a presentation from Julie Grenwald of Louisiana Hunters for the Hungry. She described the nonprofit’s work collecting and distributing protein to food banks and agencies statewide through freezer clean-out days, deer donations processed by more than 50 processors, fish donations through Venice Marina, and a paused-but-planned-to-reopen feral hog program. Members asked about processor locations, signage, exotic species, funding, sponsorships, and disease safety; Grenwald said the program is protected under Louisiana’s Good Samaritan Law and that wildlife and fisheries agents help connect processors and promote the program. She also noted the organization is looking for more partners and ways to expand access and awareness. The task force then received an update from Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on chronic wasting disease testing. Jonathan Bordelon reported more than 2,800 samples collected and over 2,300 results returned, with nine positives to date: eight in Tensas Parish and one confirmed new detection in Concordia Parish from a hunter-harvested deer. He said the Concordia positive triggered the state’s CWD response plan, including a declaration of emergency and a future rulemaking process to adjust control-area boundaries. Members asked about symptomatic deer, harvest trends, and whether the disease appears to be spreading along the river; Bordelon said most positives were asymptomatic hunter-harvested deer and that harvest numbers remain near record highs. William McKinley of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks then gave an extensive presentation on Mississippi’s CWD experience. He said Mississippi has had 529 detections across 18 counties since 2018, with prevalence rising from about one in 500 samples to roughly one in 40 this year, and that some counties near the Tennessee line are seeing severe impacts. He described Mississippi’s surveillance system, voluntary sampling, taxidermist partnerships, targeted tags for properties near positives, bans on feeding and baiting in CWD zones, and research on environmental contamination, raccoons, and strain differences. Members asked about high-fence enclosures, live deer movement restrictions, Tennessee’s regulations, environmental testing capacity, and whether more aggressive measures or LSU research capacity could help Louisiana; McKinley said the disease is expanding despite management efforts and emphasized early detection, rapid response, and continued interstate coordination.

Transcript Highlights:

• We found that increase was due to the increase in antlered buck harvest during archery deer season.
• Um, we found that that increase was due to the increase in antlered buck harvest during archery deer
• Hunters in 2024 were able to hunt the deer more than they usually do, and that leads to a higher antlered
• an antlerless deer.
• affecting the deer antlerless deer affecting the deer population.<00:10:39.040><c> We</c><00:10:39.200

Bills: HF710 , HF885

Committee: Joint Natural Resources and Environment

Keywords: private dock, dock roof, boat slip, hoist, lakefront property, public lake, dock liability insurance, shoreline structures, waterfront association, homeowners association, HOA, recreational boating, dock permit, class I dock permit, class III dock permit, Iowa Code 462A, lake community, marina, water elevation, rust-resistant materials

Transcript Highlights:

• My soybean field on any given night is, we have 25 to 30 head of deer in that field.
• because a lot probably too many deer have been killed by the farmers.
• deer. >> That's correct, yes. >> And then if I may just one other thing...
• </c> allow for a taking of additional antler allow for a taking of additional antler deer deer deer &
• So this is more meaningful than we tease you around the antler side of things, and I get it.

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• I would also like to recognize the Deer Creek Girls Cross Country team, who are with us today as well
• This year, the Lady Antlers up in the gallery. Lady Antlers, there they are.
• Head coach David Ryden has led the Deer Creek Cross Country program for more than 20 years.
• Head coach David Ryden has led the Deer Creek Cross Country program for more than 20 years, guiding the
• Antlers with a clear vision and steady approach.

Summary: The House convened, the roll was called, and the chamber proceeded with its customary opening order of business, including an invocation by Chaplain Ronnie Wilson and the Pledge of Allegiance. The prayer focused on forgiveness, using the biblical story of Joseph to emphasize turning harm into good. The House also recognized Auctioneer Day at the Capitol, with a presentation featuring Oklahoma auctioneers and a live auction demonstration, and later honored Deer Creek High School’s boys and girls cross-country teams for their state-level success, including the boys’ Class 6A championship and the girls’ strong finish. Members also received several introductions and recognitions, including former Representative Bill Gurley, Bristow Chamber Day visitors, Guthrie High School AP Government students, and Representative Culver’s family. The nurse of the day was Donna Reynolds, an emergency room manager at St. Anthony, recognized for more than 30 years in nursing, her response to the Oklahoma City bombing, and her advocacy for patient safety and organ donation. Representative Timmins honored the Millwood boys basketball team and coach Nate Jones for winning a third straight state championship and for the program’s long record of success, including Isaiah Wilkes’ Gatorade Player of the Year recognition. No legislation was debated or voted on in the transcript provided. The House concluded with a motion to adjourn, and members agreed to adjourn until Monday, April 27, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

Bills: HB1480 , HB1781 , HB1905 , HB2018 , HB2842

Committee: House Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Keywords: library grants, construction, public libraries, Texas State Library and Archives Commission, community resources, livestock, rodeo, grant program, agricultural education, county fairs, funding, economic development, prescribed burn, Texas A&M Forest Service, Parks and Wildlife Department, fire safety, environmental management, agricultural conservation, land preservation, environmental protection

Transcript Highlights:

• Aidan Taylor, I would also like to recognize the Deer Creek girls cross-country team who are with us
• This year, the Lady Antlers are up in the gallery. There they are.
• Head coach David Yden has led the Deer Creek cross-country program for more than 20 years.
• Guiding the Antlers with a clear vision and steady approach, along the way, he has built not just winning
• team to the House floor. from the Deer Creek cross-country team to the House floor.

Bills: HR1052 , SB2184 , SB171

Keywords: 4-H, youth development, community service, education, volunteering, Oklahoma, statutory revision, consolidation, law amendment, emergency legislation, legal clarity, SB171, state government, Capitol security, peace officer commission, legislative security, Department of Public Safety, Commissioner of Public Safety, President Pro Tempore, Speaker of the House

Bills: HB1590 , HB1242 , HB3818 , HB4305

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Keywords: education funding, linked deposits, education infrastructure, charter schools, nonprofit organizations, Oklahoma Education Infrastructure Program, HB1242, cervidae, deer, elk, sales tax exemption, agricultural exemption, livestock, ranching, farm tax, agricultural sales tax, Oklahoma Tax Commission, agriculture, producer sales, private treaty

Transcript Highlights:

• From meat, antler dog chews, to velvet supplements, and breeding stock.
• From<00:02:48.000><c> meat,</c> From meat, From meat, antler<00:02:49.280><c> dog</c><00:02:49.560><c
• chews,</c><00:02:49.880><c> to</c><00:02:50.000><c> velvet</c><00:02:50.400><c> supplements,</c> antler
• dog chews, to velvet supplements, antler dog chews, to velvet supplements, and<00:02:51.080><c> breeding
• cost of responding to a new CWD detection in captive cervid herds exceeds $500,000 in testing of wild deer

Bills: HF198 , HF269 , HF185 , HF303 , HF305 , HF189

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF198, shared time pupils, shared-time enrollment, nonpublic school, private school, public school, career and technical education, CTE, secondary credit, school funding, state aid, education finance, Minnesota Statutes 126C.01, compulsory attendance, school district, education policy, HF269, Spicer, Minnesota bonding bill, capital investment

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2842 allows certain entities to manage overpopulated white-tailed deer by lethal means in
• The bill is meant to help protect endangered species and habitats and support communities where deer
• While we previously worked with a contractor to harvest deer for deer surveillance under a Texas Parks
• concluded, leaving us without a safe, effective mechanism to manage the deer population.
• Our bill is $50,000 to fix that bearing at John Deere.

Bills: HB43 , HB519 , HB 1275 , HB1592 , HB2842 , HB3088 , HB3479 , HB4163 , SB823 , HB609

Committee: Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Keywords: agriculture, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, honey production, beekeeping, food safety, local regulation, bovine producers, dairy farms, permits, bovine tuberculosis, public health, wildlife management, disease prevention, alert system, Texas A&M, white-tailed deer, public safety

Summary: The Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs met with only four members initially present, so quorum was not established until later in the hearing. The committee heard several agriculture-, wildlife-, and food-labeling-related bills, including HB 3479 on expanding the Rio Grande vegetative management program beyond carrizo cane to other noxious vegetation, SB 823 on shrimp origin labeling and restrictions on misrepresenting imported shrimp as Texas or Gulf shrimp, HB 3088 on giving Texas Parks and Wildlife more flexibility to procure resale goods for park gift shops, HB 1275 on permits for non-bovine dairy farms in certain TB-affected areas, HB 519 on honey production and packaging rules, HB 609 on cleaning oyster cages in-bay with bay water only, HB 1592 on a voluntary AgriLife pest and disease alert system, HB 2842 on targeted urban deer depredation permits, and HB 4163 on limiting city requirements that agricultural operators maintain roadside rights-of-way. Testimony generally came from industry groups, agency resource witnesses, and affected producers, with most witnesses supporting the bills and several bills drawing questions about enforcement, labeling responsibility, and the scope of local authority. The most extensive discussion centered on SB 823, where Vice Chair Hancock and others questioned why wholesalers would be covered if they cannot relabel products. The bill author and restaurant association witness said the measure was intended to improve transparency and allow enforcement against intentional mislabeling, while preserving a good-faith defense and clarifying that the bill does not create a private cause of action. HB 519 also drew supportive testimony from beekeepers and a family farm, who argued that current rules treat honey extraction and bottling too much like food manufacturing and burden small operations. HB 609 was presented as a way to save time and resources for cultivated oyster mariculture by allowing cage cleaning in the bay without soaps or chemicals, and HB 1592 was described as a voluntary opt-in alert system for pests and diseases coordinated through AgriLife and other state agencies. HB 43 generated the most detailed policy debate. The bill would restructure and expand the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority, update grant and loan programs, and create a pest and disease control depredation program. The committee substitute reduced some funding caps, changed references from predators to depredating animals, and made the financial provisions contingent on appropriations. Supporters from Texas Farm Bureau, cotton growers, grain and feed interests, and young farmers described severe drought, inflation, land loss, rising input costs, and shrinking infrastructure as major threats to agriculture, while one witness urged preserving priority for young farmers. After testimony, the committee adopted the committee substitute and reported HB 43 favorably. The committee also voted HB 519, HB 609, HB 1275, HB 1592, HB 3088, HB 3479, HB 2842, and HB 4163 favorably, with several recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 823 was reported from committee on a 6-2 vote after adoption of the committee substitute. The meeting ended with notice that the committee would tentatively reconvene Friday morning and then recessed subject to the chair's call.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we're in a major migratory route for the deer in that area.
• not many deer in the area that he went to.
• The next week, I got the antlers back with an apology, but Fish and Game no longer does deer counts on
• And stories like the antler theft. These stories are rampant throughout our state.
• In the example provided of the moose antlers being taken, For example, in the moose antlers being taken

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, this deer bill, I'll call it the deer bill, but this one here is obviously one that we can all agree
• </c><00:08:39.360><c> claims</c> right at $60 million in deer claims right at $60 million in deer claims
• Deer claims alone. And that's alone. Deer claims alone.
• We see deer the roadsides every day.
• The deer population the deer population.

Committee: House Agriculture