House Bill 2213, introduced to legislation by Texas State Rep. John Frullo (District 84) would allow hunters to donate exotic game meats, such as Axis fallow deer, to be donated to nonprofit food banks, giving them the ability to feed more people.
Current laws in Texas do not allow exotic game meat to be donated to food banks. According to lawmakers, if this bill passes, it would relieve some stress that food banks constantly face, especially during emergencies like the 2021 winter storm and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Back in 2017, a well-known foundation that has been processing over 100,000 pounds of meat to give out to orphanages, churches, and others in need at no charge was informed they could not process or distribute exotic game unless they were granted an exemption. After they had applied for this exemption in Texas, they were denied.
“We were deeply saddened and, quite frankly, downright confused when we found out the foundation would now be limited in their ability to continue to feed children and families in need,” said Joe Betar, Executive Director, Houston Safari Club. “It should not have taken a national pandemic to realize just how important this issue is to the community, and we will work with Rep. Frullo to get this important bill passed.”
The Sportsmen’s Alliance, along with the Houston Safari Club (HSC), started working on this issue at the beginning of 2018. When the Covid-19 pandemic started, an emergency exemption was granted, but the exemption will expire once it is no longer deemed a threat. HB 2213 would allow a permanent exemption.
“The Sportsmen’s Alliance, our members and, I imagine, every Texan applauds Rep. Frullo on this legislation that will help to feed countless men, women and children in need,” said Bruce Tague vice president government affairs at Sportsmen’s Alliance. “This is exactly the type of common-sense legislation that is needed across the country during these trying times.”
