Texas Representative Wants To Abolish Texas Parks & Wildlife

The Texas legislative session is in full swing, and more bills are being introduced. Most don't garner much attention, and others stir up much controversy. The latest controversial bill that has everyone at odds is HB 4938 by Texas State Rep Pat Curry. He wants to abolish the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

New Bill In Texas Seeks To Abolish Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

House Bill 4938 was introduced by Representative Pat Curry with one goal in mind. Get rid of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The bill has caused quite an uproar.

The bill would split the responsibilities of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department among three agencies: the Texas General Land Office, the Texas Department of Agriculture, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The Texas General Land Office would take over managing:

• parks
• natural areas
• historic sites
• hatcheries
• wildlife management areas.

The Texas Department of Agriculture would take over:

• wildlife conservation
• native plants
• hunting regulations
• fishing regulations

The Texas Department of Public Safety would deal with:

• game wardens
• boating regulations
• water safety enforcement

It does make one wonder how all of these agencies would handle taking over these new responsibilities.

Would Dissolving Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Solve Anything?

Critics are already very vocal over how bad of an idea they think this is. Texas is revered for its parks and wildlife, and our Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is responsible for that.

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It didn't take long for people to start rallying behind the TPWD. An online petition already exists, and those who are critical of the bill believe that it will harm the state's ability to maintain its wildlife areas, and negatively impact rural law enforcement.

On a positive note, current employees of TPWD would simply become employees of whatever agency is taking over their current responsibilities. At least we won't see several people losing jobs over this.

One of my favorite places to spend a weekend is in Palo Duro Canyon State Park or Caprock Canyons State Park. I would hate to see something like this bill harm these beautiful outdoor spaces. Hopefully, that won't be the case.

If the bill somehow manages to work its way through the legislative process and become law, it will go into effect on September 1, 2025.