Senate committee backs study of chronic wasting disease and orders committee substitute

Senate Bill 28 43, introduced by Senator Perry, would direct a comprehensive study of chronic wasting disease (CWD) management in Texas and compare state practices to other jurisdictions. Perry said the study would be led by academic and veterinary partners—Texas Tech University, UT Southwestern’s Peter O’Donnell Brain Institute, and Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine—in cooperation with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).

During committee discussion, Senator Perry described the study as a “one‑stop shop” to compile existing data and state comparisons rather than creating new, experimental protocols. Alan Kane, TPWD’s wildlife division director, testified he would participate and that TPWD would be able to compile and compare its current practices with other states.

Multiple stakeholders testified in favor of the committee substitute. Breeders and industry groups—represented by Wendy Schmidt (Schmidt Ranch/Empire Ranch), Jody Phillips (Texas Deer Association), Justin Draibel (Texas Wildlife Association), Mac Wagner (Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society), and others—expressed conditional support: several speakers asked that the study include independent scientific and statistical expertise and that breeders be engaged as stakeholders. Other witnesses, including hunting and conservation groups, voiced support for TPWD’s role in managing native deer but raised concerns about resources and the need for clear, independent oversight.

The committee adopted the committee substitute by unanimous voice and later approved the bill (committee substitute) on a roll call. The roll call recorded the following votes in favor: Perry, Hancock, Birdwell, Blanco, Gutierrez, Hinojosa, Johnson, Kolkhorst, and Sparks (9 ayes, 0 nays). The committee directed that TPWD and study partners would hold public hearings and provide a public input platform as part of the study.

Why it matters: CWD affects cervid populations and has implications for hunting, ranching and wildlife management across Texas. The study aims to synthesize state and national practices and to evaluate genetics, testing and public engagement approaches so policymakers have an evidence base for future regulation.

Ending: The committee advanced SB 28 43 with the committee substitute. The committee substitute requires TPWD to work with named academic partners to compile comparative policy and scientific analyses and to hold public outreach as part of the study.