AUSTIN, Texas – A Texas House Representative has filed a bill to abolish the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and transfer its functions and duties to other state agencies.
State Rep. Pat Curry, who represents Texas House District 56 near Waco, filed the bill on Thursday.
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HB 4938, if passed, would abolish the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission and transfer its functions to the Texas General Land Office, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Public Safety.
The bill would disperse the funds normally given to TPWD to other state agencies which would take over the duties formerly assigned to TPWD. TPWD employees would also become employees of the appropriate state agencies assigned to take over the duties formerly assigned to TPWD, according to the bill text.
According to the bill, the General Land Office would take over duties related to regulating parks, natural areas, wildlife management areas, fish hatcheries, historic sites, or other public land. The Department of Agriculture would take over duties related to native plants, wildlife, or the conservation or management of native plants and wildlife, including hunting and fishing.
The bill states the Department of Public Safety would take over the duties related to law enforcement, such as game wardens, as well as the enforcement of water safety, and the regulation of boating vessels.
If passed, it would take effect on Sept. 1, 2025.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has multiple divisions that handle things ranging from state parks, law enforcement such as game wardens, inland and coastal fisheries, and state wildlife management.