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SB 538

PUBLIC PEACE, HEALTH, SAFETY & WELFARE

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Cervantes

Designates the eastern wild turkey as the official state game bird; a symbolic change taking effect 90 days after enactment with no changes to hunting rules or management.

action postponed indefinitely
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 538

Summary — SB 538: Designate the eastern wild turkey as the official state game bird

Status: Referred to Committee on Natural Resources and Agriculture (introduced Feb 20, 2025)
Primary effect: Creates a new act designating the eastern wild turkey as the state's official game bird

Purpose and intent

SB 538 is a symbolic/state‑symbol bill that names the eastern wild turkey as the state's official game bird. The stated intent is to formally recognize the species (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) in statute as the state’s official game bird.

Key provisions

  • Creates a new, single‑section act that:
    • Declares the eastern wild turkey (scientific name: Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) to be the official state game bird.
  • Establishes an effective date provision: the act takes effect 90 days after enactment (per the version provided).

Who or what is affected

  • Primarily ceremonial/administrative:
    • State government and agencies may use the designation in educational, promotional, or symbolic materials (e.g., tourism, natural‑resources publications, school curricula).
    • Hunting, conservation, wildlife education and outdoor recreation communities may reference the designation in outreach and marketing.
  • No changes to hunting seasons, game management rules, funding, or regulatory authority over wildlife are included in the bill. The measure is declaratory and does not impose operational requirements on agencies.

Fiscal and legal impact

  • The bill is purely symbolic and is not expected to create direct state or local fiscal costs or require regulatory changes.
  • There are no criminal, civil‑regulatory, or licensing effects included in the text.

Procedural/timeline notes

  • Introduced and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Agriculture for consideration (Feb 20, 2025, per provided materials).
  • If enacted, the bill would become effective 90 days after the governor’s signature (per the act’s effective clause).
  • Typical next steps: committee hearings, possible amendments, committee vote, floor votes in each chamber, enrollment, and the governor’s action.

Bottom line

SB 538 is a short, non‑controversial statutory designation naming the eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) as the official state game bird. It has symbolic value for wildlife, hunting, and conservation communities but does not alter wildlife management law or impose fiscal obligations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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