HB 5259

relating to a wildlife corridor action plan developed by the Parks
and Wildlife Department and certain other duties of the department
relating to wildlife corridors.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Chapter 12, Parks and Wildlife Code, is amended
by adding Subchapter I to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER I.  WILDLIFE CORRIDORS
Sec. 12.801.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Plan" means the wildlife corridor action plan
developed under this subchapter.
(2)  "Wildlife corridor" means a designated area that
connects wildlife populations and habitats that would otherwise be
separated by human activities or structures.
Sec. 12.802.  WILDLIFE CORRIDOR ACTION PLAN.  (a)  The
department, in consultation with the Texas Department of
Transportation, shall develop a wildlife corridor action plan that
recommends and prioritizes wildlife crossing projects intended to
promote driver safety and wildlife connectivity.
(b)  In developing the plan, the department shall use the
best available science and department surveys to identify, list,
(2)  existing and planned barriers to wildlife movement
(3)  areas with a high risk of vehicle collisions with
(A)  of high quality for priority species and
(B)  occupied by rare or at-risk species; or
(C)  designated as critical habitat under the
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. Section 1531 et seq.);
(5)  migration routes of native, game, and migratory
(6)  land containing a high prevalence of existing
human barriers to wildlife corridors, including roads, dams, power
(c)  The plan must recommend wildlife crossing projects that
prioritize promotion of driver safety and wildlife connectivity.
For each recommended project, the plan must include a description
of the project and the proposed wildlife crossing infrastructure or
other mitigation techniques recommended to meet plan goals.
(d)  The department shall include in the plan maps detailing
high-priority areas for wildlife corridor infrastructure and any
other information necessary to meet the goals of the plan.
(e)  Not later than December 1, 2026, the department shall
submit the plan to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker
of the house of representatives.  This subsection expires September
Sec. 12.803.  COORDINATION WITH OTHER ENTITIES.  The
department shall assist other state agencies and political
subdivisions of this state, and on request any federal agency, to
consider and incorporate wildlife corridors, including plan
recommendations, when developing any governmental strategic plan,
Sec. 12.804.  PLAN PUBLICATION AND UPDATES.  The department
(1)  maintain publication of the plan on the
department's Internet website; and
(2)  periodically update the department's Internet
website with information regarding the implementation of wildlife
corridor projects recommended under the plan.
SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2025.