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HB 1379

Relating to the authority of a game warden or other peace officer commissioned by the Parks and Wildlife Department to enter private property.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Ben Bumgarner and 17 co-sponsors

Texas bill expands game wardens' authority to enter private property for wildlife enforcement without requiring explicit owner permission in certain circumstances.

Referred to Culture, Recreation & Tourism
#parks&wildlifecommission(v1564) #parks&wildlifedepartment(v0045) #peaceofficers(s0007) #parks&wildlife--general(i0585)
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Bill Summary · HB 1379

Legislative bill overview

HB 1379 expands the authority of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) game wardens and commissioned peace officers to enter private property without explicit owner permission in certain circumstances. The bill modifies existing statutes governing when and how wildlife enforcement officers can access privately-owned land to conduct their duties.

Why is this important

This bill directly affects the balance between private property rights and wildlife law enforcement capabilities in Texas. It impacts landowners' control over their property and game wardens' ability to enforce hunting, fishing, and wildlife regulations effectively across the state's terrain.

Potential points of contention

  • Private property rights vs. law enforcement access: Landowners may resist warrantless entry onto their property, even for wildlife enforcement purposes, viewing it as government overreach
  • Scope and limitations unclear: The bill's specific triggering conditions for entry authorization are not detailed in available summaries, raising questions about what circumstances justify property access
  • Liability and damage concerns: Ambiguity around who bears responsibility if wardens cause property damage or harm during authorized entries without owner notification

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

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