(a) Except as provided by Parks and Wildlife Code, §43.851(c), it is an offense for any person in this state to:
  (1) possess a controlled exotic snake for any purpose other than sale unless that person possesses a valid recreational controlled exotic snake permit issued by the department; or
  (2) sell or possess for commercial purposes a controlled exotic snake unless that person possesses a valid commercial controlled exotic snake permit issued by the department.
(b) A permit issued under this subchapter does not relieve any person of the responsibility of complying with any federal, state, or local law or ordinance regulating the possession and transportation of controlled exotic snakes.
(c) For controlled exotic snakes imported to Texas by common carrier, a bill of lading shall function as a temporary permit until the controlled exotic snakes are received by the consigner indicated on the manifest.
(d) For controlled exotic snakes transported through Texas by common carrier, a bill of lading shall function as a temporary permit during transit.

Source Note: The provisions of this §55.652 adopted to be effective March 23, 2008, 33 TexReg 2543