Texas State Parks regulations currently prohibit recreational metal detecting in any of the state parks. Members of the Texas Council of Treasure Clubs have requested that the Parks Department change the regulation but they claim that Sections 191.0525 and 191.092 of the Texas Antiquities Code preclude recreational metal detecting in state parks. The Texas Council does not agree with that interpretation. Senate Bill 934 was passed by the Texas Senate during the last legislative session, but time ran out before it could be passed by the House side. This bill would have removed any doubt that recreational metal detecting was legal in disignated areas of Texas State Parks. Before we draft follow-on legislation for the upcoming session of the legislature, we are petitioning the Director of Texas State Parks and the Parks Commission to reconsider their objection to recreational metal detecting in designated areas of state parks and work with Texas metal detecting enthusiasts to reach an agreement which will be beneficial to both the hobbyists and the Parks Department.

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