SAN ANTONIO —-(Ammoland.com)- The Texas Deer Association (TDA) is pleased to welcome the passage of the ‘Due Process Bill’, which has been approved by the 83rd Texas Legislature.
Once signed into law, the new legislation will provide a more objective appeal system for deer breeder permit holders that is more in keeping with fundamental due process protections.
Under the Due Process Bill provisions, any deer breeder charged with a violation is afforded a thorough and fair review by a district judge. The bill also requires Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) to provide written notice in the event the department seeks to depopulate some or all of a breeder’s deer herd so that the breeder has the opportunity to seek legal counsel prior to the depopulation.
“Due process is a fundamental right guaranteed by the 5th and 14th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution as well as the Constitution of the State of Texas, so it’s been troubling to see some deer breeders charged with violations and then be unable to have their cases heard by an impartial judge and further denied an appeal process,” says Karl Kinsel, executive director of the Texas Deer Association. “Access to justice should never be predetermined by a person’s occupation or avocation, and the passage of this bill will help ensure the deer industry remains a strong and positive contributor to the Texas economy for years to come.”
The approved bill also allows for the creation of one-, three- and five-year deer breeder permits, instead of the current annual permit. TPWD still retains the authority to revoke breeder permits due to violations, however, permit holders now have much greater assurance they will receive due process in the event of a permit revocation. Longer permit durations is also beneficial to TPWD, allowing the department to save time and money in processing permits.
The Due Process Bill was supported by the Texas Deer Association and originally introduced in the House by Rep. Larry Phillips and in the Senate by Sen. Tommy Williams.
“The legislative process is always a collaborative effort,“ adds Kinsel. “and we would like to offer our sincere thanks to all the Legislators, TDA members and valued supporters who worked so hard to ensure justice for all Texas deer breeders.”
The TDA is the only non-profit organization solely committed to improving the quality of Texas deer herds through better habitat practices, modern harvest strategies and use of superior deer to enhance the deer herds. As a part of its public education efforts, the TDA produces a full-color bimonthly publication, Tracks Magazine, which updates TDA members on current industry news, deer genetics and game management issues.
For more information on the Texas Deer Association, call 210.767.8300 or visit www.texasdeerassociation.com.
Headquartered in San Antonio, the Texas Deer Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of Texas deer herds, and to developing ways to improve deer quality in Texas. For more information on the Texas Deer Association, call 210.767.8300 or visit www.TexasDeerAssociation.com.