Hunting constitutional amendment clears Texas Legislature

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – The Texas Legislature has approved a proposed state constitutional amendment guaranteeing citizens’ right to hunt, fish and harvest wildlife.

The House passed it 111-1 Wednesday, with 20-plus abstentions. Senate approval came last month.

Voters in November will be asked to modify the Texas Constitution to recognize “the right of the people to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife subject to laws that promote wildlife conservation.”

Eighteen other states have approved similar measures, which supporters say come as some areas have shortened hunting seasons or limited what animals can be hunted.

The amendment wouldn’t trump hunting rules or ordinances banning discharging guns within city limits. Publishing the resolution will cost Texas nearly $120,000.

Opponents argued the constitution “is not a toy” and shouldn’t be “demeaned” with useless amendments, prompting the numerous abstentions.

Source: KRISTV