SEIZURE AND DISPOSAL OF ALLIGATORS.

(a) A game warden or any other peace officer may seize an alligator, alligator hide, alligator egg, or any part of an alligator if he has probable cause to believe it was taken, possessed, sold, or purchased in violation of this chapter or of a regulation of the commission. An alligator, alligator hide, alligator egg, or alligator part seized under this section may be sold by the department to the highest of three bidders, and the proceeds of the sale shall be deposited in the appropriate department suspense fund.

(b) If a person from whom an item described by Subsection (a) was seized is found guilty, pleads guilty or nolo contendere, is placed on deferred adjudication, or fails to appear in accordance with a notice described by Section 12.106 or another law requiring that, as a condition of release, the defendant subsequently appear before a court to answer for the offense, the department shall transfer the proceeds of the sale from the suspense fund to the credit of the game, fish, and water safety account. If the person is acquitted by the trial court, the charges against the person are dismissed, or the statute of limitations period for the prosecution of the offense has expired, the department shall pay the proceeds of the sale to the person from whom the items were seized.

(c) Repealed by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 325, Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2013.

(d) A game warden or peace officer acting under the authority of this chapter or of a regulation of the commission is immune from liability and from suit for the seizure of alligators, alligator hides, alligator eggs, or any part of an alligator.

(e) To the extent practicable, Subtitle A, Title 6, Health and Safety Code, applies to an animal or animal part sold under this section that is intended for sale and use as human food.