News Release
For Immediate Release: April 29, 2025
Contact: Sean Hoffmann, Director of Communications, shoffmann@texas-wildlife.org
Texas Wildlife Association engaged in the 89th Legislative Session
New Braunfels, TX — During April 2025, TWA leadership has spent considerable time working to ensure that lawmakers and staff hear landowner perspectives as the 89th Legislative Session marches on.
Via written and verbal testimony, TWA represented rural interests on matters related to the management of our wildlife and natural resources. Highlighted below are several recent examples of TWA testifying in the committee process:
- HB 5398—TWA CEO Justin Dreibelbis testified in support of legislation to authorize aerial population management of aoudad west of the Pecos River. View Here (Timestamp 48:45)
- SB 819—TWA CEO Justin Dreibelbis testified in support of legislation to create a predictable permitting process for renewable energy projects in Texas. View Here (Timestamp 2:38:00)
- SB 2658—East Foundation CEO and TWA Volunteer Neal Wilkins testified against legislation exempting some brackish water development from local management decisions. View Here (Timestamp 2:12:55) The legislation ultimately passed the Senate on April 28.
- TWA CEO Justin Dreibelbis and President Jonathan Letz (pictured) testified on and in support of four pieces of legislation related to the management of captive deer in Texas. View Here
- SB 2031 creates a defined process for the removal of fencing on a breeder deer release site. TWA supported the legislation, which passed the Senate on April 28.
- SB 2843 directs a study of the effectiveness of TPWD’s Chronic Wasting Disease management strategy.
- SB 2844 increases penalties for deer breeders knowingly operating outside of Texas law.
- SB 2846 transfers authority of CWD in captive facilities from the Texas Animal Health Commission to the TPWD. TWA encouraged additional resources be made available to TPWD should this duty be transferred between the departments.
Beyond these, TWA is actively contributing to debates around groundwater management, private property rights, tax valuation processes, pollution control and more. We will continue to be a voice for our 7,500 members at the Capitol for the duration of the regular session which concludes June 2.
Learn more about these and other bills being considered at https://legiscan.com/TX/legislation.
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About Texas Wildlife Association Foundation
In 1991, TWAF was formed as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, dedicated to providing responsible environmental education about wildlife and habitat conservation to Texans of all ages. TWAF promotes educational and informational activities to support Texas wildlife, habitat, and sound stewardship. The activities and programs include science curriculum for middle school students, leadership camps, youth and adult hunting opportunities, teacher training and adult education seminars–all of which are performed by the Texas Wildlife Association.
