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Signed Into Law
Signed May 15, 2025Effective 2025-09-01
SB384

Regular Session

Relating to making a donation to the operation game thief fund when applying for a hunting or fishing license.

Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis

SB384: Government Affairs Overview

SB384 mandates that all Texas hunting and fishing license vendors integrate specific voluntary donation tiers ($1, $5, $10, $20) for the Operation Game Thief Fund into the application process. Effective September 1, 2025, this requirement compels all authorized license agents—from big-box retailers to independent bait shops—to update Point-of-Sale (POS) software and modify cashier workflows to ensure compliance with state remittance statutes.

Sen. Peter Flores·Senate Bill·Regular Session

Low
Low Cost
Effective:2025-09-01

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SB384
Low
Relating to making a donation to the operation game thief fund when applying for a hunting or fishing license.
Low Compliance Urgency
Requires routine attention
Cost Impact
Low
Effective
2025-09-01
Enforcing Agencies
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Primary Author: Sen. Peter Flores
89th Texas Legislature
jdkey.com
01

Compliance Analysis

Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation

Implementation Timeline

  • Effective Date: September 1, 2025
  • Compliance Deadline: September 1, 2025 (POS systems must be live with new options on this date).
  • Agency Rulemaking: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) must operationalize these changes by the effective date. Watch for TPWD guidance issued between July and August 2025 regarding the specific layout of the "first page" requirement for digital portals.

Immediate Action Plan

  • Immediately: Notify your IT department or POS vendor of the September 1 hard deadline for the new UI requirements.
  • Q2 2025: Create a specific General Ledger code for "Operation Game Thief Donations" to ensure these funds are excluded from your gross revenue calculations.
  • August 1, 2025: Distribute updated training memos to store operations managers detailing the new checkout script.
  • August 15, 2025: Conduct a test transaction to verify the donation triggers the correct line item on the receipt.

Operational Changes Required

Contracts

  • License Deputy Agreements: Expect amendments to your authorized agent agreement with TPWD to mandate the presentation of donation options.
  • Vendor SLAs: If you utilize third-party POS software for license issuance, issue a change order immediately to ensure the specific donation logic ($1, $5, $10, $20) is coded and tested.

Hiring/Training

  • Cashier Scripting: Staff must be trained to verbally prompt the customer or direct them to the donation screen during the transaction.
  • Reconciliation Training: Managers must be trained to identify these funds as non-revenue pass-throughs during end-of-day reconciliation to prevent accounting errors.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

  • Receipt Generation: Customer receipts must list the donation as a distinct line item for tax deduction purposes and to separate it from your gross taxable revenue.
  • Remittance Schedules: Ensure your accounting cycle aligns with TPWD’s requirement to deposit these funds into the state fund by the 14th day of the following month.

Fees & Costs

  • Merchant Processing Absorption: The statute allows TPWD to deduct administrative costs but does not extend this right to vendors. You will likely absorb credit card processing fees (approx. 2-3%) on the donation amounts, as you must remit the full face value of the donation to the state.

Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations

  • "First Page" Definition: The law requires the donation option on the "first page" of the application. For digital kiosks and small-screen POS terminals, the definition of "first page" is legally ambiguous. Guidance: Do not bury this option in a sub-menu; place it on the initial data entry screen to avoid non-compliance citations.
  • Refund Protocols: The statute is silent regarding the refundability of the donation if a license transaction is voided. Guidance: Treat donations as non-refundable once the transaction is finalized unless TPWD issues contrary rulemaking.

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Information presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.

02

Legislative Timeline

This bill's path through the Texas Legislature

Filed
Nov 15, 2024
Passed Senate
Mar 12, 2025
Passed House
Apr 30, 2025
Signed
May 15, 2025
Effective
Sep 1, 2025
TopicsParks & WildlifeParks & Wildlife--hunting & FishingParks & Wildlife--licensesState FinancesState Finances--management & ControlParks & Wildlife DepartmentGifts & Donations
03

Senate Authors

Sen. Peter FloresRepublican · Primary Author
Coauthors (2)

House Sponsors

Rep. Angelia OrrRepublican · Primary Sponsor
Joint Sponsors

Bill Text(with markup)

View bill text in multiple formats on Texas Legislature website

Fiscal NoteView Original

Related Legislation

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More from Sen. Peter Flores

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Related by Topic

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Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about SB384

Q

What does Texas SB384 do?

SB384 mandates that all Texas hunting and fishing license vendors integrate specific voluntary donation tiers ($1, $5, $10, $20) for the Operation Game Thief Fund into the application process. Effective September 1, 2025, this requirement compels all authorized license agents—from big-box retailers to independent bait shops—to update Point-of-Sale (POS) software and modify cashier workflows to ensure compliance with state remittance statutes.

Q

Who authored SB384?

SB384 was authored by Texas Senator Peter Flores during the Regular Session.

Q

When was SB384 signed into law?

SB384 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 15, 2025.

Q

Which agencies enforce SB384?

SB384 is enforced by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Q

How significant are the changes in SB384?

The regulatory priority for SB384 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.

Q

What is the cost impact of SB384?

The cost impact of SB384 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

Q

What topics does SB384 address?

SB384 addresses topics including parks & wildlife, parks & wildlife--hunting & fishing, parks & wildlife--licenses, state finances and state finances--management & control.

Q

What are the key dates for SB384?

Key dates for SB384: Effective date is 2025-09-01. Rulemaking: Update physical license application forms (first page) and Internet website portals to include specific donation checkboxes/options. (2025-09-01). Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.

Need Strategic Guidance on This Legislation?

JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.

Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: January 11, 2026