Today, state Senator Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe) pre-filed Senate Joint Resolution 22, proposing an amendment to the Texas constitution that protects the right to hunt, fish and harvest wildlife in the Lone Star State. An identical measure, House Joint Resolution 61, was pre-filed in the House on December 17.
HJR 61, introduced by state Representative Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin), and SJR 22, sponsored by Senator Creighton, would ensure that future wildlife conservation and management decisions are based on sound science in order to preserve Texas' hunting heritage for generations to come. Language for the resolution includes the following:
The people have the right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife, including by the use of traditional methods, subject to laws or regulations to conserve and manage wildlife and preserve the future of hunting and fishing. Hunting and fishing are preferred methods of managing and controlling wildlife.
Adding the Right to Hunt & Fish to the state constitution would protect Texas' rich sporting tradition from well-funded efforts by national extremist groups to ban hunting. This important constitutional safeguard will protect wildlife and promote conservation, which are efforts that Texas sportsmen have spearheaded for generations, significantly contributing to the state's diverse and flourishing wildlife populations.
If passed, the language contained in the joint resolutions will be presented for a public vote in November 2015. Currently, 18 states have adopted some form of a right to hunt and fish constitutional protection.
The Texas Legislature convenes for its 2015 Regular Session on Tuesday, January 13. There have been a significant number of changes in the Texas Senate and House due to legislative retirements and results from the 2014 elections. State lawmakers are moving offices, incoming members have yet to be sworn in, and committee assignments will not be made for several weeks. NRA-ILA will provide you that information as it becomes available, as well as a more comprehensive update on firearm-related bills that have been pre-filed thus far.
In the meantime, please spread the word about HJR 61 & SJR 22 to your fellow gun owners and sportsmen and urge them to support these important measures! Encourage them to sign up for FREE legislative alerts from NRA-ILA during session by clicking here. This is the easiest way to stay informed of bills in Austin affecting our Second Amendment rights and hunting heritage.
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