SENATE OKAYS AIRBORNE FERAL HOG HUNTING

Senator Troy Fraser of Horseshoe Bay carried the bill that would let the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife go forward on making rules to hunt feral hogs and coyotes from helicopters.

(AUSTIN) — The Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife could go forward on creating rules for hunting feral hogs and coyotes from helicopters under a bill approved by the Senate on Wednesday. Horseshoe Bay Senator Troy Fraser said that the more than 2 million feral hogs in Texas, formerly a rural problem, are now encroaching on big cities. "We're having cases where, in urban areas, these hogs are tearing up yards and endangering children," he said. Fraser added that the costs associated with trapping and hunting hogs are prohibitive for farmers trying to protect their crops, livestock and land.

Other bills passed by the Senate Wednesday include:

• SB 197, by West, which seeks to increase transparency and accountability for car inspection stations. West said that in Dallas, the area he represents, a quarter of all car inspections stickers are fraudulent.
• SB 1360, by Harris, which would encourage continuing education for physicians regarding tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease.
• SB 975, by Hinojosa, would allow the South Texas College to partner with high schools with high dropout rates in Hidalgo County intended to help students get their degree and go to college. Hinojosa said he hopes this program will go statewide in 2013.

The Senate will reconvene Thursday, May 12 at 8 a.m to consider the local and uncontested calendar and will meet in general session at 11 a.m.

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