Designating Newton County as the official Forest Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035.
HCR 72 is a symbolic resolution designating Newton County as Texas' "Official Forest Capital" for 10 years (ending in 2035). It recognizes the county's natural assets - including the Sabine National Forest, Big Thicket National Preserve, and fishing waters - through a non-binding legislative declaration. The resolution has no policy impact or funding provisions, serving only as a commemorative title under Texas Government Code Section 391.003(e). It does not affect residents, businesses, or state policy.
Bill status
passed
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
May 2025
Committee Review
May 2025
House Passage
May 2025
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced May 5, 2025
Last action May 5, 2025
Floor votes · House May 1, 2025
How they voted
139–0
Passed · 8 other
Total votes 147
May 1, 2025
D
Democratic60
95% Yea
R
Republican87
94% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
23
Key actions
7
Committee
9
May 5, 2025
Committee
Referred to Administration
upper
May 5, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
upper
May 5, 2025
Introduced
Received from the House
upper
May 1, 2025
Lower · Passed
Adopted
lower
Apr 25, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee report sent to Calendars
lower
Apr 25, 2025
Lower · Passed
Transferred to Calendars Committee
lower
Apr 22, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee report distributed
lower
Apr 15, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported favorably w/o amendment(s)
lower
Apr 15, 2025
Committee
Recommended to be sent to Local & Consent
lower
Apr 8, 2025
Lower · Passed
Left pending in committee
lower
Apr 8, 2025
Lower · Passed
Testimony taken/registration(s) recorded in committee
lower
Mar 5, 2025
Committee
Referred to Culture, Recreation & Tourism
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Joanne Shofner
RRepublican
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