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HB 5094

Relating to renaming the Mexican free-tailed bat as the Texas free-tailed bat.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Carl Tepper

Texas bill proposes renaming Mexican free-tailed bat to Texas free-tailed bat for state use, a symbolic measure with minimal practical impact on wildlife conservation or management.

Referred to State Affairs
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Bill Summary · HB 5094

Legislative bill overview

HB 5094 proposes to officially rename the Mexican free-tailed bat to the "Texas free-tailed bat" in Texas state law and documentation. The bill is a symbolic measure that would change how the species is referred to in state statutes and official materials.

Why is this important

While primarily symbolic, state animal nomenclature can affect educational materials, wildlife signage, and official state communications. The renaming reflects a political choice about state identity and could have minor implications for how Texans relate to native wildlife, though it does not change the biological species itself or existing conservation protections.

Potential points of contention

  • Scientific naming conventions: The species has an established scientific name (Tadarida brasiliensis) and common name recognized across North America; state renaming doesn't change scientific designation but may create confusion in educational and scientific contexts
  • Geographic accuracy concerns: The bat's range extends well beyond Texas (found throughout much of the Americas), making the renaming potentially misleading about its distribution
  • Resource allocation questions: Critics may question whether legislative time is best spent on symbolic naming changes versus substantive policy issues affecting the state

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

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