The House Committee on Culture, Recreation & Tourism

89th Legislature

May 12, 2026

10:00 a.m.

E2.028

 

Pursuant to a notice posted on April 27, 2026, the House Committee on Culture, Recreation & Tourism met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative Metcalf, at 10:03 a.m.

 

The initial quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives Metcalf; Flores; Cole; DeAyala; Martinez Fischer; Orr; and Ward Johnson.

 

A quorum was present.

 

 

The Chair made opening remarks.

 

The committee heard testimony on the following interim charge:

 

Monitoring: Monitor the implementation and associated rulemaking of all legislation passed by the Committee and enacted by the 89th Legislature to ensure that legislative purposes are properly implemented, including the following:

·       HB 1397, relating to the care, custody, and display of the letter known as the victory or death letter, the Texas Constitution, and the Texas Declaration of Independence; and

·       SB 3059, relating to the preservation, maintenance, restoration, and protection of the Alamo complex and surrounding area by the Alamo Commission.

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)

 

The committee heard testimony on the following interim charge:

 

New World Screwworm Action Plan: Evaluate the preparedness of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to respond to the threat of New World screwworm to Texas’ wildlife populations. Examine staffing levels, funding, interagency coordination, and response protocols to ensure the state is adequately prepared for response and mitigation of outbreaks.

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)

 

The committee heard testimony on the following interim charge:

 

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Funding: Evaluate the long-term sustainability of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Fund 9. Examine alternative or supplemental funding mechanisms to ensure stable funding for wildlife conservation, state parks, and agency operations.

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)

 

The committee heard testimony on the following interim charge:

 

Livestock Shows, County Fairs, and Rodeos: Examine the economic, cultural, and educational contributions of local livestock shows, county fairs, and rodeos across Texas. Consider the role these events play in preserving the state’s agricultural heritage, supporting youth development programs, and promoting tourism and economic activity in rural and urban communities. Evaluate policy recommendations to promote these longstanding community institutions and enhance resilience in youth livestock exhibition programs and events.

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)

 

(Representative Flores in chair.)

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Metcalf in chair.)

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)

 

The committee heard testimony on the following interim charge:

 

Agency Oversight: Pursuant to the broad oversight responsibilities granted to the Committee under Section 301.014, Government Code, and the House Rules of Procedure, monitor the agencies under the Committee’s jurisdiction, including for fraud, waste, and abuse, where applicable. The jurisdiction of the Culture, Recreation, and Tourism Committee includes the following agencies:

·       The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department;

·       The Texas Commission on the Arts;

·       The Texas State Library and Archives Commission;

·       The Texas Historical Commission; and

·       The State Preservation Board.

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)

 

 

At 12:52 p.m., on the motion of the chair and without objection, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the chair.

 

 

________________________________________________

Rep. Metcalf, Chair

 

 

________________________________________________

Lauren McCarthy, Clerk