By: Eckhardt, Kolkhorst S.B. No. 1285 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the protection of bats. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Sections 63.101(a) and (c), Parks and Wildlife Code, are amended to read as follows: (a) Except as provided by Subsections (b) and (c), a [no] person may not: (1) entomb or hunt a live bat; or (2) sell, offer for sale, purchase, offer to purchase, or possess after purchase a bat or any part of a bat, dead or alive. (c) This section does not apply to: (1) an animal control officer, a peace officer, a licensed pest control professional, or a health official who captures a bat that the officer, professional, or official considers injured or diseased; or (2) a person who transports a bat for the purpose of: (A) laboratory testing if the bat has exposed or potentially exposed humans or domestic animals to rabies; or (B) rehabilitation at a permitted rehabilitation facility if the bat has had no known prior exposure with humans [(3) a person who is licensed to provide pest control services]. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.