The Texas State Senate has passed Senate Joint Resolution 22, also known as the Right to Hunt and Fish Act, by an overwhelming 27-3 vote. According to sponsor Sen. Brandon Creighton, the act seeks to “preserve the heritage and future of hunting and fishing” by codifying these rights in the state’s constitution.
The Act, which is similar to measures passed in 18 other states, is intended to pre-empt the sort of lawsuits and legislation that have curtailed the rights of sportsmen in other states. Texas’ strong hunting heritage, coupled with the fact that this proposed amendment will not affect current laws, helped it win strong bipartisan support. If passed by the House, the proposal could go before voters in November.