17-03-2025
Proposed bill could eliminate Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, transfer duties
A Texas lawmaker has proposed a bill that would abolish the state's Parks and Wildlife Department.
House Bill 4938, filed by Pat Curry (R-Waco), would assign the functions of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to other state agencies. In addition to the TPWD's responsibilities, the General Land Office, Department of Agriculture and Department of Public Safety would also receive the department's funding. Current TPWD employees would also be transferred to these agencies.
According to the bill, the duties of the TPWD would be distributed as follows:
General Land Office: "regulation of parks, natural areas, wildlife management areas, fish hatcheries, historic sites, or other public land, including any bodies of water"
Department of Agriculture: "native plants, wildlife, or the conservation or management of native plants or wildlife, including hunting and fishing"
Department of Public Safety: "enforcement of this code, game wardens or water safety, including the operation of [most] vessels; equipment for vessels; and the identification, numbering and titling of vessels"
If passed, the bill would take effect on Sept. 1, 2025.
Click here to read the bill.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department could be abolished if bill passes
