---- NARBC wrote:
>
>
> We have just been notified that there will be a public hearing on this
> important piece of legislation on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 in Austin,
> Texas. It is important that your emails, faxes, phone calls, etc. be
> made no later than Monday afternoon, March 19, 2007.
>
> **********************************************************************
> Important Legislation Pending
> **********************************************************************
> 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. 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.
>
> Some thoughts from Dave Barker:
>
> Some thought on HB 1309, a bill proposed to the Texas Legislature by
> Harvey Hilderbran that would ban the possession of non-native snakes.
>
> First let me communicate to all Texas keepers, herpers, and
> herpetologists, and for those of you who may not have snakes but are
> sympathetic to your friends with snakes, this proposal is the real
> thing! If you want to keep snakes as pets, and if you don't want to
> have the State meddling in your snake pursuits, you better respond to
> this threat by communicating your displeasure to the State RIGHT NOW!
>
> If you are not certain what HB 1309 is, for the complete text go to:
> http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/80R/billtext/html/HB01309I.htm
>
> Basically it outlaws the possession of "constricting snakes" and
> venomous snakes, and provides a penalty for violation. It does mention
> a permit system managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife, but the details
> are obscure.
>
> Don't wait for someone else to do it. It's only if many, many keepers
> send letters and emails, and make phone calls to their own
> representatives and to Representative Hilderbran that the powers of
> the legislature will pause to pay heed to us.
>
> As was said back in the Revolutionary War, we will all hang together,
> or we will surely hang separately. Every single letter you write is
> important. Every phone call you make is important. Be sure to
> specifically criticize the proposal, which is identified as HB 1309.
> Please do your best to request everyone you know to write letters.
>
> THIS IS POLITICS AND IT IS THE GREASY WHEEL THAT GETS GREASED. WE HAVE
> TO BE THE SQUEAKY WHEEL.
>
> You are not restricted to one letter. Write one or two emails every
> day to people in the Texas Legislature. Most important is to write to
> Representative Hilderban, to your own representative, and to the
> Speaker of the Texas House. You probably have received info from
> Bonnie with information on how to find your own TX representative and
> his/her contact information. If you didn't get the letter, basically
> search using Google and it's easy.
>
> Also, it's a good idea to write letters to the editors of the
> Kerrville newspaper (Hilderbran's local newspaper,
> http://dailytimes.com/letter.lasso), the San Antonio Express News, and
> to the Dallas Morning News.
>
> Here follows several letters that you are welcome to use as general
> templates, but please modify each of these so that it is YOUR letter
> or email.
>
> Let the State know you are unhappy with this proposal, or we will all
> be living with it. Act now!
>
> Dave Barker
>
>
> HB 1309 Complete Text
> http://r.vresp.com/?WingerAssociates/c96760c6a0/886067/34ae0028f3/810c8e7
>
> **********************************************************************
> Legislature Contacts and Sample Letters
> **********************************************************************
> Please send us a copy of any letter, email or fax that you send to
> these representatives. Please make sure that you include your name,
> address, email address, telephone number(s), fax number as well as the
> name of the country from where you are from.
>
> If you are sending an email from your computer, please blind carbon
> copy 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.
>
> Additionally, if you have any photos of your children holding snakes
> (i.e. a little ball python or boa) that are non-native to this
> country, please attach them. This will be effective in getting to the
> heart of this matter -- cute pictures with 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. Again, we cannot stress the importance
> of this.
>
>
> The following lists the Representatives on this Committee for House
> Bill 1309. The addresses, phone, fax and emails are listed below.
>
> 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/email.php?dist=53&rep=harvey.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/email.php?dist=44&rep=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/email.php?dist=46&rep=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/email.php?dist=3&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/email.php?dist=48&rep=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/email.php?dist=29&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/email.php?dist=62&rep=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
>
> Additional addresses
> 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/?PHPSESSID=0de29804f60e2b1e7e9f1ec7f7e1b769
>
>
> 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/email.php?dist=82&rep=tom.craddick
>
>
> 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
>
> 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/Members.aspx?Chamber=S
>
> 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.
>
>
> SAMPLE LETTER(S)
> 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!
>
> SAMPLE LETTER - A
> 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)
>
> SAMPLE LETTER - B
> To the Editor of the ____________________
>
> Unprecedented numbers of Texas children are without insurance,
> property taxes are sky high, nearly half of our high school kids are
> dropping out of school, every Texas city and highway has
> infrastructure problems-yet Representative Hilderbran of Kerrville has
> taken it upon himself to waste the time and money of this State with
> House Bill 1309. This proposal will make the possession of snakes in
> Texas a punishable crime!
>
> Hilderbran proposes that Texas Parks & Wildlife will spend the money
> to create the infrastructure to issue permits and keep records on the
> more than 250,000 pet snakes in this state. Hilderbran's proposal will
> remove income from pet stores, hamper ongoing research, and make all
> Texas children with pet snakes into criminals.
>
> Surely removing the rights of Texans without just cause, hampering
> legal commerce, and unnecessarily growing government agencies at the
> expense of taxpayers are not the expected role of a conservative
> Republican. Is Hilderbran a liberal in the pocket of the animal rights
> movement? Did Hilderbran just receive a big donation from PETA?
>
> No justification for this proposal has been offered. There is no
> scientific, conservation, ecological or legal basis for this proposal.
> Attempts to communicate with Hilderbran's office have met with
> silence. I strongly recommend that the citizens of Texas reconsider
> the intent and the qualifications of this representative.
>
> Sincerely,
> Name
> Address
>
> SAMPLE LETTER - C
> To the honorable ____________________
>
> While the proposed bill created by Representative Harvey Hilderbran
> and identified as House Bill 1309 might sound good to someone who is
> afraid of snakes, please consider that there are tens of thousands of
> Texans who like snakes and who legally keep snakes as pets or for
> study.
>
> Before we in Texas go and make this a law, first answer what could
> possibly be the basis for this proposed regulation.
>
> Please be aware that this law would create need for enforcement that
> currently does not exist to monitor the approximately 3000 species of
> animals proposed to be removed from Texan possession or controlled and
> monitored.
>
> Please be aware that this law would create the need for the creation
> of infrastructure that currently does not exist to issue and maintain
> records for several hundred thousand animals. I thought Texas Parks
> and Wildlife was already in the red-this will either sink them or
> embarrass them and the State throughout the nation.
>
> Please be aware that no such restrictive ordinance exists in any other
> State, with the exception of Hawaii and there because of the unique
> needs of that island state.
>
> I would imagine that the uninformed might assume that there are either
> safety or conservation issues that are the basis of this proposal.
>
> Please be aware that never in the history of Texas has any innocent
> member of the public been seriously injured by an escaped snake.
>
> Please be aware that no species of non-native snake has ever
> established a viable self-sustaining wild population within the
> boundaries of the State of Texas.
>
> It cannot be stated that captive snakes are dangerous to the Citizenry
> of the State based on history or experience. Likewise, it cannot be
> proven that captive snakes now or ever have posed a demonstrated
> danger to the ecology of this State.
>
> House Bill 1309 will cost the citizens of this state possibly millions
> of tax dollars to enforce. It will require the growth and
> restructuring of some agency of the State. And most important-it will
> remove the rights of law-abiding Texans without demonstrated need or
> other justification.
>
> Please stop this ridiculous proposal before it becomes unnecessary
> law.
>
> Sincerely,
> Name
> Address
>
> SAMPLE LETTER - D
> Dear ________________________________
>
> It was with great dismay that I became aware of the ridiculous
> proposal made by Representative Hilderbran and identified as HB 1309.
>
> No where in this proposal is there stated any justification of any
> sort for this outrageous proposed law.
>
> So far as I can determine, Hilderbran is trying to remove the rights
> of law-abiding Texans to own pet snakes (my little daughter and her
> 2-ounce ball python will be a criminal); he is trying to impede and
> negatively impact the commerce of pet stores throughout the State; he
> is proposing to spend the hard-earned tax dollars of Texas to enforce
> this ridiculous whim; he is trying to massively grow some government
> agency to enact, enforce and monitor people's pets.
>
> What in the world is going on when an elected representative has
> nothing better to do than go after people's pets instead of working
> constructively to improve our great State.
>
> It was with amusement that I read on the internet that Hilderbran is
> considered a conservative Republican. I'd say he is a liberal on the
> payroll of the HSUS and the animal-rights hardliners.
>
> How in the world can this proposal be justified? Please work to see
> that this never sees the light of day. This proposal needs to be
> squashed. Hilderbran should be embarrassed.
>
> Sincerely,
> Name
> Address
>
> SAMPLE LETTER - E
> Dear _________________________
>
> As a biologist/ snake keeper/ snake owner/ herpetologist/
> herpetoculturist/ pet-owner with XX years of experience
> maintaining and working with snakes, I was astounded to learn of a law
> proposed by Representative Hilderbran of Kerrville, Texas that will
> remove the rights of Texans to own snakes.
>
> How can this be anything more than flatulent legislation-all air and
> stinks? What in the world can be accomplished by this unexplained and
> unfounded proposal? Is Hilderbran so bored with being a representative
> that he now chooses to infringe on the rights of law-abiding Texans
> instead of actually working on some of the problems of this State?
>
> What is next on his agenda? Should ranchers with exotic game be
> alarmed that Hilderbran is going after them next? Antelopes are out in
> the pasture and in direct contact with Texas ecology, after all.
>
> What danger does captive snakes present to Texas ecology? Not one
> species of non-native snake has ever been established in Texas in a
> viable wild population, unlike blackbuck antelope that exists in the
> tens of thousands in the Texas countryside.
>
> Not one innocent member of the public has ever been injured by an
> escaped snake, unlike the documented predations of pit bulls and other
> large dogs.
>
> Texas needs representatives that work on the real problems of this
> State-not a liberal animal rights front man who is trying to remove
> the rights and the pets of taxpaying Texas citizens. Please help to
> squash this ridiculous proposed legislation before it becomes yet one
> more piece of unnecessary legislation costing the Citizens of Texas
> millions of dollars. Let Representative Hilderbran know he has
> embarrassed and wasted his position as elected representative.
>
> Sincerely,
> Name
> Address
>
>
>
>
> **********************************************************************
> House Bill 1309
> **********************************************************************
> 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.
>
>
>
>
> **********************************************************************
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________________
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