A state lawmaker wants to do away with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).
On Thursday, State Rep. Pat Curry, R-Waco, filed House Bill 4938, which, if passed, would abolish the state agency and transfer the powers, duties and functions from TPWD and the Parks and Wildlife Commission to the Texas General Land Office (GLO), Department of Agriculture (TDA) and Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Per the bill, GLO would take over duties related to regulating parks, natural areas, wildlife management areas, fish hatcheries, historic sites or other public land. TDA would take over duties related to native plants, wildlife or the conservation or management of native plants or wildlife, including hunting and fishing. DPS would take over duties related to law enforcement, such as game wardens, enforcement of water safety and regulation of boating vessels.
The bill would also transfer funds, contracts, rights, property and records of TPWD to the other entities taking over. Employees with TPWD would also become employees of the appropriate state agencies. If passed, it would take effect on Sept. 1, 2025.
TPWD oversees and protects wildlife and their habitats. The agency is also responsible for managing the state's parks and historical areas. The agency has 13 internal divisions, including wildlife, coastal fisheries, inland fisheries, state parks and law enforcement.
In an emailed statement, TPWD told the Houston Chronicle: “Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is proud of the important role our agency plays in managing Texas land and waters in coordination with our partners and private landowners to provide for hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation. Our 89 state parks welcome more than 9 million visitors each year. The Texas legislature has an existing Sunset Commission that reviews the efficacy of all state agencies, and TPWD underwent that process in 2021.”
Curry did not respond to a request for comment on what spurred the proposal.
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