AUSTIN, Tex. (DDN) – A Texas House Representative has introduced legislation aimed at dismantling the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, proposing to reassign its responsibilities to various state agencies.
On Thursday, State Rep. Pat Curry, representing Texas House District 56 near Waco, introduced the bill.
Legislation HB 4938 proposes to eliminate the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department along with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, redistributing their responsibilities to the Texas General Land Office, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Public Safety.
The legislation aims to reallocate the funds typically provided to TPWD to various other state agencies that would assume the responsibilities previously held by TPWD. According to the bill text, employees of TPWD would transition to become employees of the relevant state agencies designated to assume the responsibilities previously held by TPWD.
The proposed legislation outlines that the General Land Office would assume responsibilities for overseeing parks, natural areas, wildlife management areas, fish hatcheries, historic sites, and other public lands. The Department of Agriculture is set to assume responsibilities concerning indigenous flora and fauna, as well as the stewardship and regulation of these natural resources, which encompasses activities like hunting and fishing.
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The legislation outlines that the Department of Public Safety will assume responsibilities concerning law enforcement, including game wardens, along with overseeing water safety and regulating boating vessels.
Should it be approved, the implementation date would be September 1, 2025.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department encompasses various divisions responsible for managing state parks, enforcing laws through game wardens, overseeing inland and coastal fisheries, and ensuring effective wildlife management across the state.
Source: Texas House Representative files bill to abolish Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
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