Bill Text: TX SCR2 | 2019-2020 | 86th Legislature | Enrolled


Bill Title: Recognizing the game wardens of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as the "Texas Navy" and commending them for their service to the Lone Star State.

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 2-1)

Status: (Passed) 2019-05-28 - Signed by the Governor [SCR2 Detail]

Download: Texas-2019-SCR2-Enrolled.html
 
 
  S.C.R. No. 2
 
 
 
 
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
  WHEREAS, For more than 120 years, the enforcement officers of
  the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and its predecessors have
  patrolled the rivers, lakes, and coast of the Lone Star State,
  playing a central role in safeguarding the public waters; and
         WHEREAS, In 1895, the 24th Texas Legislature created the
  office of Fish and Oyster Commissioner, and in 1899, the Fish and
  Oyster Commission was given jurisdiction over all public waters,
  including freshwater streams, lakes, and ponds; the agency
  underwent several name changes over the years, becoming the Game,
  Fish, and Oyster Commissioner in 1907, the Game, Fish, and Oyster
  Commission in 1929, and the Game and Fish Commission in 1951, and
  since 1963, it has been known as the Texas Parks and Wildlife
  Department; and
         WHEREAS, In 1965, the professionals now known as Texas game
  wardens were tasked with promoting and enforcing water safety for
  persons and property in all recreational waters of the state; since
  1971, game wardens have been formally recognized as Texas peace
  officers, and in 1997, the 75th Texas Legislature enacted House
  Bill 966, which required all game wardens to be certified as marine
  safety enforcement officers; in 2011, during the 82nd Legislative
  Session, game wardens were designated as the primary officers
  responsible for enforcing the provisions of the state's Water
  Safety Act; and
         WHEREAS, Today, game wardens patrol the public waters of
  Texas to enforce hunting and fishing regulations and to promote
  water safety; they have expanded their ranks from six officers in
  1919 to more than 500, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's
  fleet has grown to include more than 590 vessels, including two
  65-foot patrol boats in the Gulf of Mexico and 26 SAFE boats for use
  along the Gulf Coast; in 2013, Texas game wardens were accredited by
  the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators for
  their adherence to the United States Coast Guard's national
  standards for training, qualifications, and credentialing; and
         WHEREAS, In addition, Texas game wardens play a crucial role
  in homeland security and emergency management, including search,
  rescue, and recovery efforts; in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina
  in 2005, they were the first out-of-state peace officers to be
  deployed to New Orleans, where they were directly involved in the
  rescue of 4,940 people from houses, apartments, and hospitals, and
  during Hurricane Harvey, they rescued more than 12,000 Texans from
  the storm's floodwaters; in 2014, they took part in Operation
  Strong Safety, a homeland security initiative along the
  Texas-Mexico border; and
         WHEREAS, The dedicated men and women who safeguard the public
  waters of Texas for the use and enjoyment of present and future
  generations truly deserve to be known as our "Lone Star Navy," and
  these individuals indeed merit recognition for their vital
  contributions; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the 86th Legislature of the State of Texas
  hereby recognize the game wardens of the Texas Parks and Wildlife
  Department as the "Lone Star Navy" and commend them for their
  outstanding work as maritime safety enforcement officers; and, be
  it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as an
  expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and
  Senate.
 
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
         I hereby certify that S.C.R. No. 2 was adopted by the Senate
  on April 26, 2019, by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0.
  ______________________________
                                              Secretary of the Senate
         I hereby certify that S.C.R. No. 2 was adopted by the House
  on May 14, 2019, by the following vote:  Yeas 136, Nays 0,
  three present not voting.
  ______________________________
                                              Chief Clerk of the House
 
 
  Approved:
 
  ______________________________ 
              Date
 
 
  ______________________________ 
            Governor
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