Bills to Ponder--Legislation could dismantle TPWD, loosen CWD laws, prevent game warden access to private property

The 89th Texas Legislature is in session. For those who may not have heard, there is a bill in the mix that has spurred some serious debate among the state’s outdoor community.

Filed March 13 by State Rep. Pat Curry (R-Waco), House Bill 4938 calls for the dismantling of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the TPW Commission. If passed, the bill would shift TPWD’s functions, funding and responsibilities to three other state agencies this September.

According to the bill: * The Texas General Land Office would oversee parks, natural areas, wildlife management areas, fish hatcheries, historic sites and public lands.