Relating to consolidating certain nonresident hunting licenses.

SB1247 repeals the Nonresident Spring Turkey, Special, and Banded Bird licenses effective September 1, 2025, forcing nonresident clients to purchase either the significantly more expensive Nonresident General Hunting License or the restricted Nonresident Five-Day Hunting License. This consolidation creates an immediate 150% cost increase for turkey hunters and introduces strict species limitations on the Five-Day license that outfitters must verify in the field.

SB1247 was authored by Texas Senator Charles Perry during the Regular Session.

SB1247 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 30, 2025.

SB1247 is enforced by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).

The regulatory priority for SB1247 is rated as "moderate". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.

The cost impact of SB1247 is estimated as "medium". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

SB1247 addresses topics including animals, parks & wildlife, parks & wildlife--hunting & fishing and parks & wildlife--licenses.

Key dates for SB1247: Effective date is 2025-09-01. Rulemaking: Must set the specific fee for the Nonresident Five-Day Hunting License (capped at 50% of the General License fee) and finalize the Nonresident General Hunting License fee. (Prior to 2025-09-01). Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.

SB1247 establishes the following penalties: criminal penalty of Class C Misdemeanor (Standard TPWD Code violation) for Hunting with an invalid or expired license type (e.g., attempting to use a repealed Special or Spring Turkey license instead of the required General License).. Consult with legal counsel for specific applicability to your situation.