Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Found this on another board and had to pass it on.

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.

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 ®
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 ®
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
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 ®
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
**Texas Governor Rick Perry - Contact the Governor

Sen. David Dewhurst
LT. GOVERNOR
Capitol Station
P.O. Box 12068
Austin, Texas 78711
Tel (512) 463-0001
**Texas Lieutenant Governor :: David Dewhurst

Rep. Tom Craddick ®
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE
Room CAP 2W.13
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768
(512) 463-1000
(512) 463-7722 Fax
**Texas House of Representatives

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.

Texas House of Representatives

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.

(cool.gif 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.

© Except as provided by Subsection (cool.gif, 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.

(cool.gif 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 (cool.gif of this section, this Act takes effect September 1, 2007.

(cool.gif Sections 43.851© and 43.853, Parks and Wildlife Code, as added by this Act, take effect January 1, 2008.

Boa Constrictor Constrictor
Red Tail Boa Constrictor (Boa constictor constrictor). Refers to "true" red tail boas such as the Guyana and Suriname locales.

Aaron Pritchard
-----
Vanessa Pritchard
Fantasy Boas
www.fantasyboas.com

npbebgebgettttttttttt

My letter was already sent!!!
-----
Greg Holland
GM HERPS
www.imageevent.com/gmherps
gmherps@sbcglobal.net

"(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."

I wonder exactly what it is they are trying to say with this passage here, #3?

Reptiles are not considered currently under the AWA or Animal Welfare Act.

I do not live in texas but no matter where I live that law wouldn't bother me in the slightest. It would stop some people that should not have large boas or pythons from being able to purchase them. As long as the permit process is done right and not to expensive I do not see a problem with people needing one.
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1.1 Motley het butter corns
0.1 Snow corn
0.1 Okeetee corn
1.0 Anery mutt corn
0.1 Stripe Ghost corn
0.1 Amelanistic corn het carmel
2.1 Colombian Redtails
1.0 Hypo Colombian redtail
1.0 Brazilian Rainbow Boa
1.0 Anery Kenyan sand boa
0.1 Normal Kenyan sand boa

texans actually value their rights htough

You rrights are not in danger. it is a way of weeding out some of the irresponsible owners and it sounds to me like a good idea. I think any responsible and passionate keeper would want irresponsible people to stop making the hobby look bad and I wouldn't mind this one bit if it were introduced here. And I value my rights as much as any texan does!

are you from canada?

if so that may explain your outlook on the subject.

canada isn't exactly known for looking kindly on property rights.

Hey it doesn't say LARGE constrictors...heck, a sand boa, even a corn snake is a constrictor! Do you want to have to buy a permit to own a $50 corn snake?! Florida at least specified rock pythons, burmese, anacondas, retics as the species that would require microchipping and permits, and most of that is to help protect the state from invasives.

Herp laws for the most part are very stupid. How many dog attacks are their every day? I don't have to file paperwork with the state to own my dogs, and I shouldn't for a herp especially when there are far less herp attacks. Just because ignorant people are scared of snakes, doesn't mean that they are more dangerous! I believe education is the key, the more people experience snakes and other herps in a positive manor, the less likely to vote in favor of herp regulation laws.
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Thanks,
Amy
www.myboids.4t.com
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1.14 Normal ball pythons
1.0 Pastel ball pythons
0.0.1 Sinaloan Milk Snake
0.0.1 Plains Garter
0.1 Normal Kenyan Sand Boa
2.0 Anery Kenyan Sand Boa
1.0 Mid-Baja Rosy Boa
0.1 Leucistic Texas Rat
1.2 Dumeril's Boa
1.2 BCI
That's Just The Snakes!

First they simply require permits or only take away constrictors over 10'. Next it is 6'. Then you can have 6' constrictors, but not breed them. Before you know it, we all have colubrids. If the first laws start to flow, they just keep coming. I agree that irresponsible breeders should be weened out, but politicians trying to sneak in these new bills without notifying the public should sound some alarms. It is only the beginning.

By saying that "this law doesn't bother me or will never affect me" is as bad as some ball python people not bothering to fight bills retricting ownership of constrictors over 6'. That is ridiculous. We are a community. We should stand up for each other and be selfish just because a certain present pending law doesn't affect us. Where will they be when new laws come and the community is much smaller due to no help in the past.

Phil Goss

I am not saying this doesn't affect me because I do own boas that get rather large. I am just saying if I can get a permit and then never have to worry again about my snake collection and the legal system, then I am fine with it. That law talked about non-native constrictors. Which that most likely means any constrictor outside of the U.S. Now I didnt say that law was perfect but I do like the idea of it. I would rather everyone that wants to own a boa or python, and no I dont mean thinks like sand boas, rosy boas, childrens pythons and other small constrictors, go through some sort of system to either educate them and then they get a liscense or someone comes and looks at how they house them or whatever. It would stop things like the burmese in the Everglades and all these reports of a 16 foot snake found in someones back yard. It would stop pet stores from being able to sell a burm or retic to some stupid teenager that things its cool because they can feed it live mice but o wait it will get to big, so they just let it go.

I also understand you saying it may not stop at just that but how about you fight it until you find the situation you like best. I think if we could get it to stop at just a permit for snakes over 6-8 feet, then we are fine.
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1.1 Motley het butter corns
0.1 Snow corn
0.1 Okeetee corn
1.0 Anery mutt corn
0.1 Stripe Ghost corn
0.1 Amelanistic corn het carmel
2.1 Colombian Redtails
1.0 Hypo Colombian redtail
1.0 Brazilian Rainbow Boa
1.0 Anery Kenyan sand boa
0.1 Normal Kenyan sand boa