Sec. 62.002. COMPUTER-ASSISTED REMOTE HUNTING. (a) In this section:

(1) "Computer-assisted remote hunting" means the use of a computer or any other device, equipment, or software, to remotely control the aiming and discharge of archery equipment, a crossbow, or a firearm to hunt an animal, including a bird.

(2) "Firearm" and "archery equipment" have the meanings assigned by Section 62.014.

(b) A person may not engage in computer-assisted remote hunting or provide or operate facilities for computer-assisted remote hunting if the animal being hunted is located in this state.

(c) For purposes of this section, facilities for computer-assisted remote hunting include real property and improvements on the property associated with hunting, including hunting blinds, offices, and rooms equipped to facilitate computer-assisted remote hunting.

(d) A person who violates this section commits an offense that is a Class B Parks and Wildlife Code misdemeanor, unless it is shown at the trial of the defendant that the defendant has been convicted one or more times before the trial date of a violation of this section, in which case the offense is a Class A Parks and Wildlife Code misdemeanor.

(e) It is an exception to the application of this section that a person provides only:

(1) general-purpose equipment, including a computer, camera, fencing, and building materials;

(2) general-purpose computer software including an operating system and communications programs; or

(3) general telecommunications hardware or networking services for computers, including adapters, modems, servers, routers, and other facilities associated with Internet access.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 992 (H.B. 2026), Sec. 22, eff. June 18, 2005.