IMPORTANT TEXAS LEGISLATION RE: VENOMOUS & CONSTRICTORS FROM OUTSIDE THE U.S.

We are sending this email to everyone we know, whether inside or outside the state of Texas regarding ownership, possession or transporting venomous snakes or live constrictors not indigenous to this country. Please take a few moments to read over this and send it to as many herpers that you know. Also, please start sending emails, letters, etc. to the folks involved in this House Bill 1309. Addresses are listed below. And be sure to copy us on it so that we can take all the papers with us when we meet with the committee in Austin. If you find articles in the local newspapers, or any other journal source, please send us the link. We need to work quickly on this.



FROM: Randal & Bonnie Berry: legislation@texasreptiles.com

Michael Price: michael.price@sanangelotexas.us

Dave Barker: vpi@beecreek.net







IMPORTANT LEGISLATION PENDING

REGARDING OWNERSHIP, POSSESSION OR TRANSPORTING

VENOMOUS SNAKES OR LIVE CONSTRICTORS

NOT INDIGENOUS TO THIS COUNTRY





PLEASE SEND ALL WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE (letter, fax, email) TO US

as we will compile all of these documents when we meet with the

Members of this Committee in Austin.

Randal & Bonnie Berry

P.O. Box 191866

Little Rock, AR 72219

Phone & Fax: 501-562-7311





PLEASE SEND THIS TO EVERY HERPER YOU KNOW!





HI HERPERS:: WE NEED YOUR HELP ... The following House Bill has been introduced to the Texas Legislature by Representative Harvey Hilderbran, a Republican, who represents the Kerrville area in the House. This would affect all of those who own or possess or transport into this state a live venomous snake or live constrictor that is not indigenous to this country, (That's right, country, not county.) This proposed Bill would require permits from everyone who deals with these reptiles and will be enforced by Texas Parks & Wildlife.



A copy of this Bill in its entirety is below. It is up to us to stop this Bill in its tracks. Calls and emails to Rep. Hilderbran (who authored the Bill) have not been answered or returned.



Please participate in this important Legislation.



We need to send letters, emails, faxes or make phone calls to Rep. Harvey Hildebran as well as the members on this Committee. We also need to contact the House Representatives and Senators in our area, as well as the Governor, Lt. Governor and Speaker of the House. And, it wouldn't hurt to contact each Member of the House and Senate. Anything and everything you can do will help.



PLEASE SEND US A COPY OF ANY LETTER, EMAIL OR FAX THAT YOU SEND TO THESE REPRESENTATIVES. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU INCLUDE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, EMAIL ADDRESS, TELEPHONE NUMBER(S), FAX AS WELL AS THE NAME OF THE COUNTY YOU ARE FROM.



IF YOU ARE SENDING AN EMAIL FROM YOUR COMPUTER, PLEASE bcc US ON IT.



IF YOU ARE SENDING AN EMAIL FROM THE LEGISLATURE eMAIL, PLEASE BLOCK COPY IT, FORWARD IT TO US, THEN SEND IT TO THE LEGISLATURE.



IF YOU HAVE PHOTOS OF YOUR CHILDREN HOLDING SNAKES (A LITTLE BALL PYTHON OR BOA) THAT IS NON-NATIVE TO THIS COUNTRY, PLEASE ATTACH THEM. THIS WILL BE EFFECTIVE IN GETTING TO THE HEART OF THIS MATTER -- CUTE PICTURES AND CUTE CHILDREN!



WE WILL ACT AS A CLEARINGHOUSE FOR ALL OF THESE DOCUMENTS. IN THE EVENT WE ARE ABLE TO MEET WITH THIS COMMITTEE IN AUSTIN, ALL OF THESE DOCUMENTS WILL BE VERY HELPFUL. WE CAN'T STRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS.



1.



The following lists the Representatives on this Committee for House Bill 1309. The addresses, phone, fax and emails are listed below.



COMMITTEE

MEMBERS
POSITION

ON COMMITTEE
CAPITOL ADDRESS &

PHONE NUMBERS


DISTRICT ADDRESS

&

PHONE NUMBERS
COUNTIES

REPRESENTED

Rep. Harvey Hilderbran (R)
Chairman
Room CAP GW.12
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768



(512) 463-0536
(512) 463-1449 Fax



**e-MAIL: http://www.house.state.tx.us/members...vey.hilderbran
125 Lehmann Dr
Kerrville, TX 78028





(830) 257-2333
(830) 792-4289 Fax
Crockett, Sutton, Schliecher, Real, Kerr, Kimble, Menard, Mason, Llano, San Saba, McCulloch, Concho, Coleman, Runnels, Callahan

Rep. Edmund Kuempel (R)


Vice Chair
Room CAP 3N.06
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768


(512) 463-0602
(512) 480-0391 Fax



**e-MAIL: http://www.house.state.tx.us/members...edmund.kuempel
523 E. Donegan #102
Seguin, TX 78155



(830) 379-8732
Wilson, Guadalupe, Gonzales

Rep. Dawnna Dukes (D)
Budget & Oversight Chair
Room EXT E1.504
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768



(512) 463-0506
(512) 463-7864 Fax



**e-MAIL: http://www.house.state.tx.us/members...p=dawnna.dukes

Travis (part)

Rep. Mark Homer (D)
Member
Room EXT E2.408
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768


(512) 463-0650
(512) 463-0575 Fax



**e-MAIL: http://www.house.state.tx.us/members...rep=mark.homer
1849 Lamar
Paris, TX 75460


(903) 784-0977
Lamar, Delta, Hopkins, Franklin, Titus, Red River

Rep. Donna Howard (D)
Member
Room EXT E2.812
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768


(512) 463-0631
(512) 463-0901 Fax



**e-MAIL: http://www.house.state.tx.us/members...p=Donna.Howard

Travis (part)

Rep. Mike O’Day

(R)
Member
Room EXT E1.208
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768


(512) 463-0707
(800) 878-6826 Fax



**e-MAIL: http://www.house.state.tx.us/members...&rep=mike.oday
P. O. Box 2358
Pearland, TX 77588


(281) 997-8071
(281) 997-3686 Fax
Brazoria (part), Matagorda

Rep. Larry Phillips (R)
Member
Room EXT E2.604
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768


(512) 463-0297
(512) 463-1561 Fax



**e-MAIL: http://www.house.state.tx.us/members...larry.phillips
421 North Crockett
Sherman, TX 75090


(903) 891-7297
(903) 870-0066 Fax
Fannin, Grayson



** NOTE: This is actually a web page where you can send emails








2.



ADDITIONAL ADDRESSES



GOVERNMENT
POSITION AT

LEGISLATURE
CAPITOL ADDRESS & PHONE NUMBERS

Gov. Rick Perry
GOVERNOR
Office of the Governor
P.O. Box 12428
Austin, Texas 78711-2428



Texas Callers: (800) 252-9600

Out of State Callers: (512) 463-1782

FAX: (512) 463-1849



**http://www.governor.state.tx.us/contact

Sen. David Dewhurst
LT. GOVERNOR
Capitol Station
P.O. Box 12068
Austin, Texas 78711



Tel (512) 463-0001



**http://www.ltgov.state.tx.us/Contact...9f1ec7f7e1b769



Rep. Tom Craddick (R)
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE
Room CAP 2W.13
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768



(512) 463-1000
(512) 463-7722 Fax



**http://www.house.state.tx.us/members...p=tom.craddick







3.

TEXAS RESIDENTS

The following link will take you to the name and pertinent information about each Member of the Texas House of Representatives. From there, you can search for the Members in your District by address and zip code.

http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/welcome.php



4.

TEXAS RESIDENTS

The following link will take you to the name and pertinent information about each Member of the Texas Senate. From there, you can search for the Members in your District by address and zip code.

http://www.legis.state.tx.us/Members...aspx?Chamber=S



4.

NON-TEXAS RESIDENTS

For those of you who reside outside of Texas, please send your letter, email, faxes to the Members of the above committee for House Bill 1309. This is just as important for you. If you attend any reptile shows in Texas, this could create a lot of problems and high costs, as no-doubt, the out-of-state residents will have to pay a higher permit fee. This also pertains to those of you who transport into Texas.



5.

SAMPLE LETTER

This is a sample letter that you can send to the legislators. You can add or delete the contents, and add any other comments you may have. Remember, send us a copy and include photos if you have any. We need to act fast on this!

Dear Representative / Senator / Governor / Lt. Governor / Speaker of the House __________________

We are a group of hobbyists who keep reptiles and we vehemently oppose your pending legistation, HB 1309.

We feel our rights to house or purchase ANY reptiles, whether indigenous or not to this country, should be without restraints or dictated by law. We are professionals, zoo curators, students, animal care technicians, breeders and hobbyists, plus we are represented by people from all walks of life.

The impending legislation HB 1309, would prohibit our passion and life long endeavor for caring or studying reptiles. This affects not only Texas residents, but people from other states or countries who bring non-native Texas snakes into Texas.

Did you ever stop to think that many children and adults who are allergic to dogs and cats have found an alternative with snakes and other reptiles? In fact, one of the most popular beginner snakes is the Ball Python which comes from Central Africa. Ball Pythons are a small species, are very hearty and require minimal care, as opposed to dogs and cats. Plus, we know of no one who is allergic to snakes and other reptiles!

What is your agenda behind this H.B. 1309? Who are the constituents who asked you to present this Bill?

We are a huge group of voters and we want our voices to be heard.

Your name

Your address

Your county (if in Texas)



6.

This is a copy of the actual Bill which is now pending.

80R2369 KCR-D



By: Hilderbran H.B. No. 1309







A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the possession or transportation of certain snakes that are not indigenous to this country; providing a penalty.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Chapter 43, Parks and Wildlife Code, is amended by adding Subchapter V to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER V. NONINDIGENOUS SNAKE PERMIT

Sec. 43.851. PERMIT. (a) The commission by rule shall establish a permit that allows a permit holder to possess or transport in this state a live venomous snake or live constrictor that is not indigenous to this country.

(b) A permit under this subchapter is not required for:

(1) a state or county official performing an official duty;

(2) a licensed circus, carnival, menagerie, or zoo that possesses or transports a snake for exhibition or scientific purposes; or

(3) a research facility licensed under the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. Section 2131 et seq.) that possesses or transports a snake for scientific purposes.

(c) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a person may not possess or transport in this state a snake described by Subsection (a) without a permit issued by the department under this subchapter.

Sec. 43.852. FEE FOR PERMIT. The commission shall set a fee for a permit issued under this subchapter.

Sec. 43.853. OFFENSE. A person who violates this subchapter commits an offense that is a Class B Parks and Wildlife Code misdemeanor.

SECTION 2. (a) The Parks and Wildlife Commission shall adopt the rules necessary under Subchapter V, Chapter 43, Parks and Wildlife Code, as added by this Act, not later than January 1, 2008.

(b) The Parks and Wildlife Department shall begin issuing permits under Subchapter V, Chapter 43, Parks and Wildlife Code, as added by this Act, not later than January 1, 2008.

SECTION 3. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b) of this section, this Act takes effect September 1, 2007.

(b) Sections 43.851(c) and 43.853, Parks and Wildlife Code, as added by this Act, take effect January 1, 2008.

I don't want to pop any Bubbles....but this is going to take Herpers that are Registered Voters to come together....Which I am both.....How Many are in the state? 200....500....1000.....Better Start a List of Texas Herpers who can Vote.......Non-game Dealer permit Holders already deal with the Parks
and Wildlife.......Which is a permit system already in place for native species
purchases/sales, and adaptable I might add......I see Dollar Signs......

to be held next Tues at 2pm in Room E2.014 at the Capital.

We need to have an organised opposition to this bill.

I just recieved a letter from Robert Macdonald "Regulations Coordinator" It
says they are proposing changes to the rules governing the possession and sale of nongame wildlife. The Survey asks what income I generated from
each specie for years 04 05 06......and several other questions....Did anybody else get one?????....Thanks Keith

I got one of those letters as well. I want to know why they need this info. I just moved to TX so it really doesn't apply to me but what they want to do does. I received a run down of the meeting with TPWD in January from Troy Hibbits. This letter to fill in the money made off of each species has something to do with that but the run down doesn't mention this letter. I suggest everyone check everybox by each species. The "white list" idea is a crock and we need to stop it. The "white list" is the protecting of all the species no one deals with to often whether they are common or not.

Who attended the meeting today? Tim? Please let us know how it went. Attacks from everywhere. Don't these %*$@^& heads have anything better to do than %$#@* with us? God I hate protectionist *ssholes.

Taker easy,

Mike Welker
El Paso, TX

while waiting to go in front of the Commission.... Tim Ciole and Randal Berry asked me to come check out the Rattlesnake being used for a Live demonstration in front of the commission.....Boy did I get Hook, Line and Sinker.......I was found by the nightshift custodian in a supply closet two days later.....Is it to late to speak???? HaHa

I was going to call Delta Air Cargo that morning and have them delay you also.

It's not over. A permit system may be in our future until they figure out that Texas Parks & Wildlife will LOOSE money with this program instead of making money! That's all this is, a fundraiser for TP&W. There are no legitimate reasons for this action.

Most legislation is bait and switch anyway. The difficulty is getting the camel's nose underneath the edge of the tent. Once implemented, then the rules can be changed at will, and fees raised as needed. ALL laws should be initially considered as just a foot in the door, and treated as such.

the issues of raising the price and of tighter regs and it has been suggested to be LOCKEd IN at 3% increase per year. As of now, no inspections as long as the permit is renewed annually. More details to work out.