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TexasSB 124789th Legislature Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Relating to consolidating certain nonresident hunting licenses.

Sponsored By: Will Metcalf, Charles Perry (Republican)

Signed by Governor

AnimalsParks & Wildlife--Hunting & FishingParks & Wildlife--Licenses

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Border agreements expand fishing and hunting access

Beginning September 1, 2025, border agreements can extend resident-level fishing and migratory-waterfowl hunting rights to qualifying nonresident license holders. Eligible licenses include sport fishing or general hunting licenses issued by Texas or a border state. These rights cover rivers and lakes along the shared border. Texas residents with Texas licenses receive equal privileges under the agreement. The rights depend on an agreement and are not automatic.

Nonresident hunters face license rules and fees

Beginning September 1, 2025, nonresidents need a general hunting license for mule deer, white-tailed deer, turkey, pronghorn antelope, desert bighorn sheep, or alligator. For other birds and animals, the general rule requires a general or five-day license; the special license option is removed. The general license costs $100.75 or the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission's price, whichever is higher. A five-day license lasts five consecutive days and cannot cover the six listed species. The commission sets its price at no more than 50% of the general license fee.

Nonresident hunters get more license flexibility

Beginning September 1, 2025, nonresidents can hold multiple hunting licenses, including multiple five-day licenses, but only one general license per license year. The law removes prior restrictions on license combinations. Except for lifetime resident and nonresident five-day licenses, hunting licenses follow a September 1–August 31 year or commission-set dates. Licenses issued early that expire August 31 of the following year remain valid through that date. When changing license-year dates, the commission can lower transition fees and set terms shorter or longer than one year.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Will Metcalf

    House

  • Charles Perry

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 307 • No: 0

House vote • 5/20/2025

Record vote

Yes: 145 • No: 0

House vote • 5/19/2025

Record vote

Yes: 144 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/16/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/16/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Senate vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective on 9/1/25

    5/30/2025House

  2. Signed by the Governor

    5/30/2025House

  3. Sent to the Governor

    5/21/2025House

  4. Signed in the House

    5/21/2025House

  5. Signed in the Senate

    5/21/2025Senate

  6. Reported enrolled

    5/20/2025Senate

  7. House passage reported

    5/20/2025Senate

  8. Record vote (RV#3022)

    5/20/2025House

  9. Passed

    5/20/2025House

  10. Read 3rd time

    5/20/2025House

  11. Statement(s) of vote recorded in Journal

    5/19/2025House

  12. Record vote (RV#2952)

    5/19/2025House

  13. Passed to 3rd reading

    5/19/2025House

  14. Read 2nd time

    5/19/2025House

  15. Placed on General State Calendar

    5/16/2025House

  16. Considered in Calendars

    5/14/2025House

  17. Committee report sent to Calendars

    5/12/2025House

  18. Committee report distributed

    5/12/2025House

  19. Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator

    5/12/2025House

  20. Reported favorably w/o amendment(s)

    5/8/2025House

  21. Considered in formal meeting

    5/8/2025House

  22. Left pending in committee

    5/1/2025House

  23. Testimony taken/registration(s) recorded in committee

    5/1/2025House

  24. Considered in public hearing

    5/1/2025House

  25. Scheduled for public hearing on . . .

    5/1/2025House

Bill Text

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