News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2015
Contact: Eliza Vielma
eliza.vielma@senate.state.tx.us
Right to Hunt and Fish on November Ballot

AUSTIN — Today, Texas Secretary of State Carlos Cascos performed a drawing to determine the ballot order for the seven proposed constitutional amendments to be presented to voters on November 3, 2015. Among the propositions, the "Right to Hunt and Fish" Act authored by Senator Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe) and Representative Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin) was announced as Proposition 6.

The constitutional amendment language for Proposition 6 will read as follows on the November ballot: "The constitutional amendment recognizing the right of people to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife subject to laws that promote wildlife conservation."

"It was a privilege to work alongside Representative Trent Ashby and over 60 sportsmen's organizations on this constitutional amendment," said Senator Brandon Creighton. "With recent lawsuits across the nation attacking our right to hunt and fish, I am eager for Proposition 6 to be presented to our voters on the November ballot. Hunting and fishing remains a strong part of our Texas heritage and we need to protect those rights now more than ever before."

"I am pleased we were able to pass this common-sense legislation with broad bipartisan support," stated Representative Trent Ashby, the House sponsor of Proposition 6. "Hunting and fishing are deeply engrained in our state's culture, and when Proposition 6 is passed by the voters, these rights will be protected for future generations of Texans."

"Not only are hunting and fishing deep-rooted in Texas culture, they have major economic impact on the state." said Tara Mica, State Liaison for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action. "According to the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, the Lone Star State's hunters and anglers spend $4.1 billion annually and support 65,993 jobs."

"Texas State Rifle Association, the NRA state affiliate, supported SJR 22 and promotes the passage of Prop 6 on the November 3 general election ballot, said Alice Tripp, Legislative Director of the Texas State Rifle Association PAC. "Prop 6 should protect the hunting and fishing heritage of our children and grandchildren as Texas grows and develops."

"This is an exciting step forward in the process and we can't wait for the November ballot to firmly entrench our outdoor rights for future Texans," remarked Ben Carter, Executive Director of Dallas Safari Club. "Given the need for scientific conservation and the massive economic impact hunting and fishing has on the state, Prop 6 will ensure Texans are able to conserve our wildlife resources while securing our outdoor heritage for generations to come."

Currently, 18 states have passed similar versions of this proposed amendment in their state constitutions.

SENATOR BRANDON CREIGHTON represents District 4, which encompasses Chambers, Jefferson and parts of Montgomery, Harris, and Galveston Counties. He currently serves on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water and Rural Affairs, the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice, the Senate Committee on State Affairs, and as the Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce.

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