It would seem that the new legislation pushed through in Sections 41 and 44 on the coattail of HB 12 was in no way the product of our field agents in TP&W. With a little diligence, I am sure that we can show that they were in no way consulted to see if such legislation was needed or even enforceable. In fact, I am almost sure that this legislation came largely from a personal grudge from a former field agent of the Trans Pecos Regions that is now working in or near the Austin area. I will go a little farther out on the limb and say that this is also likely a product of this person or his peers and superiors that he has giving misleading and biased information to. There is no doubt that personal agendas are in play here, especially when you look at the example of Hilderbran’s effort to use the old language on 2414 that was a product of his committee, not the revised language that was voted on the house floor by his peers. He has demonstrated by this underhanded and to me dishonest action that he is out to end our hobby, no matter what his peers or constituents believe to be best. That is why I think he is no longer fit to be in a political office, he has moved from representing the citizens to instead represent personal agendas.
Now while you think of all this, let me recommend, and not for the first time. That you handle each encounter with LE with respect. You do not have to surrender your rights or principals, but just be nice. We need as many allies as we can find to show the lack of need for this new legislation, and I think that down the road these field agents will be a huge asset if we can keep from alienating them. The fight is in Austin, not the side of the road, and I do not plan to just sit down and give up until I can rescue turtles from the roadway and pick up / photograph other animals on the right of way. I have the Governor’s phone numbers on speed dial so I can log a call whenever I have a free moment in the day.
Keep up the pressure, ask Perry to veto HB 12 on the grounds of section 41 and 44 tacked on inappropriately by Hilderbran and Estes. And as big as that bill is, and as mush as it was rushed through I am sure that there are many more reasons, so do not be afraid to add them to the list.
Lance
