This past Thursday, Texas House Representative Pat Curry filed legislation that would dismantle the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) – folding its functions into other state agencies.
TPWD is a state agency responsible for managing and conserving the natural and cultural resources of Texas. It oversees state parks, wildlife management areas, historic sites, and various outdoor recreational programs. The department is now under threat of elimination with the introduction of a new bill.
The Texas lawmaker representing Texas House District 56 outside Waco, filed bill HB 4938 this past Thursday. If the bill were to pass, HB 4938 would eliminate the TPWD folding its funding, assets, personnel, and functions to other state agencies.
The stage agencies that would take over the responsibilities of TPWD include Texas General Land Office, Department of Public Safety, and Department of Agriculture would assume the responsibilities of TPWD.
Texas General Land Office would assume the management of natural areas, state parks, historic sites, fish hatcheries, and wildlife management areas. Tasks related to native plants, wildlife conservation, hunting and fishing activities would fall to The Department of Agriculture. The Department of Public Safety would take over law enforcement duties, such as game wardens, water safety enforcement, and boating regulations.
As for TPWD employees, the bill stipulates that personnel would retain employment, transferring to the respective state agencies responsible where they would continue to fulfill their responsibilities of TPWD.
Critics of the bill argue that eliminating the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department would disrupt crucial efforts in wildlife conservation, land stewardship programs, state parks and trails maintenance, and rural law enforcement.
If enacted, the changes would be effective September 1, 2025.
See also: New Texas State Park For The First Time In 25 Years With 5,000 Acres Of Natural Splendor