A bill that exempts individual participants in squirrel or furbearing animal field trials from the Texas hunting license requirement is scheduled for consideration by the full Texas House of Representatives today, May 22. If signed into law, the bill will only require a field trial organizer to purchase a field trial permit to cover all participants.
The AKC strongly supports SB 2801, believing it could increase the number of field trials held and the number of participants by removing existing hurdles to participation, especially for those from out of state.
Senate Bill 2801 was passed unanimously by the Texas Senate on May 1. The Texas House has until 11:59 pm on May 24 to approve the bill, making it eligible for Governor Greg Abbott’s signature.
Dog sport enthusiasts should call your state representative and encourage them to vote yes on SB 2801. You can find your state representative HERE.
For more information or for more updates on Texas legislation, please contact AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org.