PRIA Logo™
TexasHB 65489th Legislature Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Relating to the dismissal of a criminal charge related to the illegal hunting of certain deer; authorizing fees.

Sponsored By: Brandon Creighton (Republican), Terri Leo Wilson

Signed by Governor

Courts--GeneralCrimes--MiscellaneousParks & Wildlife--Hunting & FishingParks & Wildlife--LicensesASP-MORGAN ACTPARKS & WILDLIFE COMMISSION

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Hunter education can clear certain deer charges

For offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, Texas courts can pause certain deer hunting cases for up to 180 days. This covers mule deer or white-tailed deer charges based on antler spread measurements differing from the legal limit by one inch or less. Hunters must report the offense to a game warden before leaving the location. They must not keep the carcass and must dispose of it as the department requires. They must have no prior covered conviction or dismissal through this process. They must plead guilty or no contest in open court and request the state's hunter education course. The court must dismiss the charge after timely, satisfactory course completion and no Parks and Wildlife Code or related commission-rule violations during the pause. Otherwise, the court must find the defendant guilty and impose the offense's penalty. A dismissed charge cannot count as a conviction for legal disqualifications or disabilities. It also cannot block, suspend, or revoke a professional or work license or certificate the person otherwise qualifies for. A deferred case can move to another court with that court's consent and authority to hear it. Earlier offenses remain subject to prior law.

Hunters may pay new education case fees

For covered offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, courts may charge hunters requesting education two reimbursement fees. The administrative fee is up to $10, and the course-provider fee is $10. Together, these add up to $20 beyond standard court costs and fees. Administrative money goes to the county treasury; course money goes to the provider, which must account to the court. Defendants found indigent whose cases are paused cannot be charged either reimbursement fee. Paid fees are not refundable, even when the hunter does not finish the course.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Brandon Creighton

    Republican • Senate

  • Terri Leo Wilson

    House

Cosponsors

  • Caroline Harris Davila

    House

  • Joanne Shofner

    House

  • Valoree Swanson

    House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 292 • No: 5

Senate vote • 5/28/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/28/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 4/30/2025

Record vote

Yes: 134 • No: 2

House vote • 4/29/2025

Record vote

Yes: 145 • No: 3

House vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Yes: 6 • No: 0

Senate vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Yes: 7 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective on 9/1/25

    6/20/2025House

  2. Signed by the Governor

    6/20/2025House

  3. Sent to the Governor

    5/31/2025House

  4. Signed in the Senate

    5/31/2025Senate

  5. Signed in the House

    5/30/2025House

  6. Reported enrolled

    5/29/2025House

  7. Senate passage reported

    5/29/2025House

  8. Record vote

    5/28/2025Senate

  9. Passed

    5/28/2025Senate

  10. Read 3rd time

    5/28/2025Senate

  11. Record vote

    5/28/2025Senate

  12. Three day rule suspended

    5/28/2025Senate

  13. Vote recorded in Journal

    5/28/2025Senate

  14. Read 2nd time & passed to 3rd reading

    5/28/2025Senate

  15. Laid before the Senate

    5/28/2025Senate

  16. Placed on local & uncontested calendar

    5/28/2025Senate

  17. Committee report printed and distributed

    5/23/2025Senate

  18. Recommended for local & uncontested calendar

    5/23/2025Senate

  19. Reported favorably w/o amendments

    5/23/2025Senate

  20. Vote taken in committee

    5/23/2025Senate

  21. Considered in public hearing

    5/23/2025Senate

  22. Scheduled for public hearing on . . .

    5/23/2025Senate

  23. Posting rule suspended

    5/22/2025Senate

  24. Referred to Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs

    5/1/2025Senate

  25. Read first time

    5/1/2025Senate

Bill Text

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation