Texas House bill by Rep. Zwiener regulates lethal control of white-tailed deer populations

Newly passed bill authored by State Rep. Erin Zwiener aims to regulate lethal control of white-tailed deer populations to address habitat damage and overpopulation issues, following approval in both chambers, according to the Texas Legislature website.

In the House, 57 Democrats and 48 Republicans voted in favor of the bill, while one Democrat and 27 Republicans opposed it.

Meanwhile, in the Senate, 11 Democrats and 20 Republicans voted in favor, with no opposing votes.

Erin Zwiener introduced the bill in the Texas House on Friday, Feb. 14, during the 89th regular legislative session.

Zwiener graduated from the University of Montana.

Zwiener, a Democrat, was elected to the Texas State House in 2019 to represent the state’s 45th House district, replacing previous state representative Jason Isaac.

According to the Texas Legislature, the bill’s official text was summarized as follows: ‘Relating to the control by lethal means of white-tailed deer in certain areas’.

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, the bill amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to regulate the control of white-tailed deer populations by lethal means in certain areas, effective Sept. 1, 2025. It allows entities such as political subdivisions, state and federal agencies, educational institutions, or property owners’ associations to apply for permits if lethal control is necessary to prevent habitat damage for endangered species or if there is an overpopulation issue that recreational hunting cannot address. Applicants must submit written evidence and agree to comply with relevant rules and permit conditions. The Parks and Wildlife Department may inspect properties to verify claims and assess deer management plans. Additionally, the commission can adopt rules concerning permit issuance and other aspects of wildlife control.

The bill was co-authored by Rep. Will Metcalf (Republican – District 16) and Rep. Sheryl Cole (Democrat – District 46), along with two other authors.

The bill received its final legislative approval on Wednesday, May 21, and was filed without the Governor’s signature on Sunday, June 22.

Bills in Texas go through a multi-step legislative process, including committee review, debates, and votes in both chambers before reaching a final decision. Each session, there are typically thousands of bills introduced, but only a portion successfully navigate the process to become law.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.