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SB 2651

Relating to the regulation of chronic wasting disease and the establishment of a pilot program to breed deer resistant to chronic wasting disease.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Bob Hall

SB 2651 establishes CWD disease regulations and funds a Texas pilot program breeding disease-resistant deer to protect the state's cervid populations and hunting industry.

Referred to Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs
#animals(i0035) #parks&wildlifecommission(v1564) #parks&wildlifedepartment(v0045) #parks&wildlife--general(i0585) #parks&wildlife--hunting&fishing(i0560)
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Bill Summary · SB 2651

Legislative bill overview

SB 2651 proposes to regulate chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Texas wildlife and establish a pilot program to breed deer with genetic resistance to the disease. The bill aims to address the spread of this fatal prion disease affecting deer and elk populations through both regulatory measures and selective breeding initiatives.

Why is this important

Chronic wasting disease is a contagious neurological condition that devastates deer and elk herds, with no cure or vaccine. Texas's hunting industry and wildlife management depend on healthy cervid populations, making disease control economically and ecologically significant for ranchers, hunters, and rural communities. Developing disease-resistant deer could provide long-term protection if the breeding approach proves scientifically viable.

Potential points of contention

  • Scientific uncertainty: Selective breeding for CWD resistance is still experimental; success is not guaranteed, and resources invested may not yield practical results
  • Captive vs. wild populations: A pilot program may raise concerns about escaped or released captive-bred deer affecting wild populations or genetic contamination
  • Regulatory burden: New CWD regulations could increase compliance costs for deer farmers, ranchers, and hunting operations, particularly smaller operations
  • Scope of authority: Questions may arise about whether state regulatory measures can effectively control a disease that crosses property lines and state boundaries

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

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