In a move that has sparked widespread debate, Texas State Representative Pat Curry of Waco has introduced House Bill 4938, proposing the abolition of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). The bill aims to redistribute TPWD’s responsibilities among other state agencies according to a report at Outdoor Life.
The main focus of the bill is as follows: Sec. 1.003. Subject to the memorandum of understanding entered into under Section 1.004, the powers, duties, and functions of the former Parks and Wildlife Department and former Parks and Wildlife Commission are transferred to the General Land Office, Department of Agriculture, and Department of
Public Safety and their applicable commissioner or governing body…
Texas General Land Office (GLO): Would oversee state parks, natural areas, wildlife management areas, fish hatcheries, historic sites, and other public lands.
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Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA): Would manage native plants, wildlife conservation, hunting, and fishing activities.
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Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS): Would handle law enforcement duties, including oversight of game wardens, water safety enforcement, and boating regulations.
If enacted, the bill would take effect on September 1, 2025.
We will have much more on the bill in the coming editions of the Fish & Game report.