House Bill 2213 would allow hunters to donate exotic game, such as Axis fallow deer, to food banks. (Photo courtesy of Sportsmen's Alliance)
March 15, 2021
By Sportsmen's Alliance
Texas State Rep. John Frullo (District 84) has introduced legislation that will give nonprofit food banks the ability to feed more people. House Bill 2213 will allow hunters to donate exotic game, such as Axis fallow deer, to food banks.
Current Texas law does not allow the donation of exotic game meat to food banks. This common-sense legislation will ease the burden that food banks constantly face, especially in times of emergency, such as the recent storms that wreaked havoc on the Lone Star State or COVID-19.
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In 2017, a well-known foundation, which had been processing over 100,000 pounds of ground meat for distribution to orphanages, churches and others in need at no charge, was told they could not process and distribute exotic game unless they were granted an exemption. After applying for the exemption to continue to help feed Texans in need, 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."
In early 2018, the Sportsmen's Alliance and the Houston Safari Club (HSC) began working together on this important issue. When COVID-19 struck, an emergency exemption was granted, but when the pandemic’s threat eases, the exemption will expire. HB 2213 will provide a permanent exemption, and the Alliance and Houston Safari Club are taking the lead to get this legislation across the finish line.
"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."
More legislative updates from Sportsmen's Alliance About the Sportsmen's Alliance: The Sportsmen's Alliance protects and defends America's wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits — hunting, fishing and trapping — that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen's Alliance: Online , Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .
