Texas Lawmaker Seeks to Abolish State Parks and Wildlife

According to Chron on Thursday, a state representative named Pat Curry filed House Bill 4938. If this bill is passed, it would dismantle the state agency and transfer the duties, powers, and functions from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Parks and Recreation Commission to the Texas General Land Office, the Department of Public Safety, and the Department of Agriculture.

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Texas Lawmaker Proposes Shutting Down Parks and Wildlife Department

Under this proposal, the Texas General Land Office would assume responsibility for managing natural areas, wildlife management areas, historic sites, fish hatcheries, regulating parks, and other public lands. The Department of Agriculture would take over the state's wildlife, plants, fishing, and hunting regulations. The Department of Public Safety would take over the regulation of voting vessels, law enforcement, wardens, and enforcement of water safety.
All existing contracts, rights, and properties would be transferred, and employees of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department would be reassigned to the appropriate state agencies. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department currently oversees the conservation of wildlife and its habitats and is responsible for managing state parks and historical sites.

Bill Seeks to Remove Texas Parks and Wildlife Department from State Budget

If the law is passed, it will go into effect on September 1, 2025. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has stated that it is proud of the important role it plays in managing Texas land and water in coordination with its partners and private landowners to support hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Texas' 89 state parks welcome more than 9 million visitors each year.
The Texas legislature has a sunset commission that reviews the efficiency of all state agencies. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department underwent this process in 2021. As of now, there has been no response from Representative Curry.