>>So that is like everybody that keeps snakes, everybody I know has a critter that is not found in their county, and most have some not of this state or nation.

>>



Re-read the article.. it said Country -- not County.



Exotic regulation



Lax laws concerning non-native snakes along with the irresponsible actions of some snake owners created a large and growing problem in Florida, where populations of pythons, boas and other large reptiles have established wild populations that play havoc with native ecosystems.



Texas has similar lax rules governing large, non-native reptiles. And while Texas has not seen problems on Florida's scale, officials are concerned about increasing incidents involving released or escaped large or poisonous snakes.



HB 1309, introduced by Rep. Hilderbran, would impose the first statewide regulation aimed at these exotic reptiles.



The bill would require a person possessing or transporting a "live venomous snake or live constrictor that is not indigenous to this country" to possess a permit to be created and issued by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.



The law would not restrict ownership of the snakes. But a person convicted of violating the permit requirement would face a fine of $200-$2,000 and 180 days in jail.
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PHWyvern

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