BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.C.R. 46
88R23530 KSM-D	By: Flores
	Administration
	4/27/2023
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Authorizing the State Preservation Board (SPB) to approve the placement of the Texas Game Warden Memorial at the State Capitol Complex.

Texas game wardens devote themselves to the protection of the state's natural resources, and since 1895, 19 of these dedicated public servants have tragically lost their lives while fulfilling their important duties.

Game wardens, as certified peace officers, are responsible for preserving the peace and enforcing the game, fish, and water safety laws of Texas, which include, but are not limited to, apprehending poachers and other individuals who ignore wildlife law; many of the criminals that game wardens encounter have also ventured into other illegal activities, such as theft or the drug trade, and because game wardens are often patrolling areas with hunters, loaded guns are a constant in their work; the myriad challenges of the job may put them in harm's way at any time.

To honor those who died in the line of duty, the Game Warden Peace Officers Association has commissioned a Game Warden Memorial to be designed and sculpted to the Association's specifications, and be dedicated to the memory of Joe Williams, Harry Raymond, Dawson Richard Murchison, R. M. Wynne, Gus Engeling, Claude Keller, J. D. Murphree, Joe Evans, Lloyd Gustin, Ronnie Germany, James Daughtrey, Barry Decker, Bruce Hill, Michael Pauling, Wes Wagstaff, Justin Hurst, Teyran "Ty" Patterson, George Harold Whatley Jr., and Sergeant James Birmingham.

Many Texans are unaware of the sacrifices made by game wardens; the placement of the monument at the State Capitol, however, would help the public gain a greater understanding of the vital mission of Texas game wardens and of the extraordinary commitment they make to upholding the laws of our state and protecting its natural resources.

RESOLVED

That the 88th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby authorize SPB, subject to state law and rules of SPB, to approve the placement of the Texas Game Warden Memorial at the State Capitol Complex, at a site outside of the historic Capitol grounds.

That SPB consider a site south of the Sam Houston Building for the location of the memorial.

That the Texas secretary of state forward an official copy of this resolution to the executive director of SPB and to the chair and president of the Game Warden Peace Officers Association.