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SB 1248

Relating to the disclosure of certain harvest report information submitted to the Parks and Wildlife Department.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Angelia Orr and 1 co-sponsor

SB 1248 restricts public disclosure of hunters' and anglers' harvest reports to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, balancing privacy protections with wildlife management transparency needs.

Effective on 9/1/25
#animals(i0035) #civilremedies&liabilities(i0065) #lawenforcement(i0510) #openrecords(i0548) #parks&wildlifecommission(v1564) #parks&wildlifedepartment(v0045) #parks&wildlife--general(i0585) #parks&wildlife--hunting&fishing(i0560)
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Bill Summary · SB 1248

Legislative bill overview

SB 1248 modifies public disclosure rules for harvest report information submitted to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The bill regulates what harvest data—such as hunting and fishing records—can be released to the public versus kept confidential. It became effective September 1, 2025, after receiving bipartisan support and gubernatorial approval.

Why is this important

Harvest reporting data directly affects wildlife management decisions, hunting regulations, and conservation policy. The disclosure rules balance transparency with privacy concerns, as hunters and anglers may not want personal harvest information publicly available. This bill shapes how Texans' recreational activities are documented and what information government agencies can share.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy vs. transparency: Restricting harvest data disclosure protects individual hunters' and anglers' privacy but limits public access to information about wildlife populations and usage patterns
  • Conservation management: Wildlife managers need detailed harvest data to set sustainable regulations; overly restricted disclosure could complicate science-based policy decisions
  • Competitive advantage: Commercial interests may seek confidentiality protections while conservation advocates prefer public data to monitor resource depletion

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

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