On state park land
Permission needed
On state park land, and separately at any place the state has designated a landmark – which can include land a city owns.
This state also reaches city and county land — see below
1. The rule, in full
Texas – Natural Resources Code ch. 191 (Antiquities Code)
Scope text, Subchapter D:
"…as well as archeological sites of every character that are located in, on, or under the surface of any land belonging to the State of Texas or to any county, city, or political subdivision of the state are state archeological landmarks and are eligible for designation."
"Political subdivision" defined:
"means a local governmental entity created and operating under the laws of this state, including a city, county, school district, or special district…"
Scope: reaches municipal land.
What it actually regulates: survey and discovery, excavation, restoration, demolition and study of state archeological landmarks, by permit from the Texas Antiquities Committee. Note the phrase "eligible for designation" – whether protection attaches automatically or on designation is a question for a lawyer, not for me, and the entry should say so rather than assert either reading.
What it does NOT prohibit: metal detecting. The code does not mention detectors.
Directory entry should read: archaeological sites on city and county land in Texas are state archeological landmarks, and disturbing one requires a permit. Not that detecting is illegal in Texas city parks.
2. Cities in Texas that publish a rule
Awaiting review. None of the city or county rows publishes until its status is set and its quotation chosen by hand.
3. County rules
Awaiting review. None of the city or county rows publishes until its status is set and its quotation chosen by hand.
4. Cities checked — no published rule
Awaiting review. None of the city or county rows publishes until its status is set and its quotation chosen by hand.