Texas House Bill HCR18

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Introduced: 1/13/09
• Refer: 2/18/09
• Report Pass: 3/31/09
• Refer: 5/6/09
• Report Pass: 5/13/09
• Enrolled: 5/24/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Designating the Texas toad as the official State Amphibian of Texas.

Impact

The adoption of HCR18 would not result in direct changes to state laws regarding wildlife conservation or management, as its primary aim is symbolic rather than regulatory. However, it may raise awareness about the Texas toad and encourage discussions around the preservation of its habitat. As the Texas toad is a species abundant throughout most of Texas, the public recognition could foster greater appreciation for local amphibians and their important role in the ecosystem.

Summary

HCR18, a concurrent resolution proposed in the 81st Legislature of Texas, seeks to designate the Texas toad as the official State Amphibian of Texas. This resolution serves to recognize the Texas toad not only as a prominent species within the state but also as a symbol of Texas' rich biological diversity. The bill highlights how a variety of official state symbols, including animals like the longhorn and armadillo, reflect the character and heritage of Texas, ultimately bringing attention to the various forms of wildlife inhabiting the region.

Contention

The resolution appears to be largely symbolic and does not seem to face significant opposition or contention in legislative discussions. Designations of this nature are typically non-controversial as they primarily focus on cultural recognition rather than implementing new laws or regulations. The process of naming an official state amphibiant underscores Texas' commitment to celebrating its biodiversity, though it does not explicitly tackle any major legislative issues or conflicts.