TITLE: Relating to the use of an unmanned aircraft to locate and retrieve wounded or killed wildlife.

SUMMARY: Relating to the use of an unmanned aircraft to locate and retrieve wounded or killed wildlife.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the use of an unmanned aircraft to locate and retrieve wounded or killed wildlife. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 62, Parks and Wildlife Code, is amended by adding Section 62.0115 to read as follows: Sec. 62.0115. USE OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT FOR LOCATING AND RETRIEVING WOUNDED OR KILLED WILDLIFE. (a) To the extent permitted by federal law, a person may use an unmanned aircraft to assist in locating and retrieving wounded or killed wildlife on private land. The unmanned aircraft must be operated in compliance with: (1) each applicable Federal Aviation Administration rule, restriction, or exemption; and (2) all required Federal Aviation Administration authorizations. (b) The commission may adopt rules as necessary to administer this section, except that the commission may not adopt a rule that requires a person to hold an authorization issued by the department or commission to use an unmanned aircraft as described by Subsection (a). SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.