Relating to the protection of bats.

SB 1285 prohibits most activities involving bats in Texas, including confining, hunting, selling, or possessing bats (alive or dead), with limited exceptions. It allows bat removal only from occupied buildings and requires nonlethal exclusion methods (like one-way doors) that prevent re-entry, banning such methods between May 1 and August 31 annually to protect breeding colonies. Exemptions cover animal control officers, health officials, and those transporting bats for rabies testing or rehabilitation. The law directly affects homeowners dealing with bats, pest control professionals (who must use approved methods), and wildlife officials, taking effect September 1, 2025.