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SB 2846

Relating to the control of disease in wildlife; creating criminal offenses; authorizing an administrative penalty.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by César Blanco and 1 co-sponsor

Texas bill creates criminal offenses and penalties for failing to control disease spread in wildlife populations, expanding state enforcement authority over animal health management.

Referred to Culture, Recreation & Tourism
#administrativehearings #stateofficeof(v0065) #animalhealthcommission #texas(v0000) #animals(i0035) #courts--judges(i0140) #crimes--miscellaneous(i0200) #environmentalquality #texascommissionon(v0334) #health--otherdiseases&medicalconditions(i0383) #parks&wildlifecommission(v1564) #parks&wildlifedepartment(v0045) #publicnotice(s0264) #parks&wildlife--general(i0585) #parks&wildlife--hunting&fishing(i0560) #veterinarians(s0072)
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Bill Summary · SB 2846

Legislative bill overview

SB 2846 establishes new criminal offenses and administrative penalties related to disease control in wildlife populations. The bill creates legal frameworks for managing and preventing the spread of diseases among wild animals, with enforcement mechanisms including penalties for violations.

Why is this important

Wildlife diseases can spread to livestock and human populations, creating public health and agricultural concerns. Clear legal authority and penalties help state agencies enforce disease prevention measures, which is critical for protecting both ecosystem health and economic interests in ranching and hunting industries.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of enforcement authority: The bill may grant broad discretionary power to wildlife agencies in identifying and controlling diseased animals, raising questions about due process and property rights
  • Criminal vs. administrative approach: Creating criminal offenses for wildlife disease violations could disproportionately affect rural landowners compared to administrative penalties alone
  • Undefined disease standards: Without clarity on which diseases trigger requirements and what control measures are mandatory, the bill could create uncertainty for hunters, farmers, and wildlife managers about compliance obligations

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

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