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Bill

HB 135

Relating to exemptions from sales and use taxes for game animals and exotic animals.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Trent Ashby and 11 co-sponsors

Texas exempts game and exotic animals from sales tax effective immediately, reducing purchase costs for hunters and animal handlers while decreasing state revenue.

Effective immediately
#animals(i0035) #taxation--sales(i0800)
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Bill Summary · HB 135

Legislative bill overview

HB 135 exempts the sale and purchase of game animals and exotic animals from Texas sales and use taxes. The bill became effective immediately upon the Governor's signature on May 13, 2025, and applies to transactions involving these animals.

Why is this important

This tax exemption reduces costs for hunters, wildlife ranchers, and exotic animal handlers, potentially expanding the exotic animal and game breeding industries in Texas. The immediate effective date means the tax relief applies to current and future transactions without a delayed implementation period.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact: Removing sales tax on animal sales reduces state tax revenue, which must be absorbed elsewhere or result in fewer state services
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill's scope depends on how "game animals" and "exotic animals" are legally defined—unclear definitions could lead to disputes over what qualifies
  • Wildlife management concerns: Tax incentives for exotic animal ownership could complicate state wildlife management and raise questions about ecological impacts and invasive species risks
  • Equity questions: Provides tax benefits to specific industries (hunting, ranching) that other sectors don't receive, raising fairness considerations

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

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