The House Committee on Culture, Recreation and Tourism has released its interim report to the 89th legislature. See below for a spotlight on recommendations from the report.
Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 88th Legislature
- The implementation of SB 1648 and the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund is on track to significantly enhance Texas’s state park system. With substantial funding and a structured acquisition process, TPWD is poised to create new parks that will benefit current and future generations. Regular updates will continue to be provided to the Committee as the program progresses, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the acquisition and development phases.
Support for Texas Farm and Ranch Lands
- The Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program is an essential initiative that supports the conservation of working landscapes in Texas. By facilitating the acquisition of agricultural conservation easements, the program preserves vital ecological and agricultural resources while benefiting both landowners and urban populations. With continued support from the Texas Legislature and strong partnerships within the land trust community, the TFRLCP can address the significant unmet demand for funding and further its mission of conserving Texas’ invaluable farm and ranch lands. It is the Committee’s recommendation that the Legislature allocate the necessary funds so the program can effectively meet its current demands. TPWD remains committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders to enhance the program’s capacity and ensure the sustainability of Texas’s natural resources for future generations.
Support for Coastal Shrimping and Fishing Industries
- The shrimp fishery in Texas is a critical component of the state’s economy and cultural heritage. Despite its substantial contributions, the industry faces significant challenges from imports, environmental regulations, and declining market share. Continued monitoring, adaptive management strategies, and support for promotional efforts are essential to sustain and revitalize this sector. As stakeholders work collaboratively to address these issues, the future of the Texas shrimp fishery remains a priority for economic resilience and ecological sustainability.
- This Committee commends the ongoing efforts by Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Texas Department of Agriculture to promote locally sourced shrimp. However, any necessary trade regulations must be enacted at the federal level. Consequently, the Texas Legislature’s actions are limited to informing and advocating to the federal government on behalf of domestic fishing industries to ensure their viability in an increasingly competitive global market. The Texas Legislature can urge Congress to act on such measures by filing House Concurrent Resolutions, a course of action that has been used for other policy issues within the federal government’s jurisdiction.
