HB 646

relating to the use of an unmanned aircraft to locate and retrieve
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
(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
SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.