The 82nd Texas Legislative Session is in full swing.
Here’s a few 2A-related bills to keep an eye on (actually since we’re talking Texas State, it’d be Article 1 Section 23 of the Texas Constitution)
I’m curious about one thing here. The bill allows private institutions to prohibit legal carry. If an institution opts to do so, how is the public supposed to know about it? As far as I can tell, the bill doesn’t specify. Section 4 of the bill mentions amending PC 46.035 such that collegiate sporting events can only prohibit with 30.06 notice, but what about non-sporting event times, like just strolling around campus on a Tuesday? To remain consistent with the rest of the law, notice of prohibition should be given through proper 30.06 notice; if a private institution wishes to prohibit, they’re going to have to post 30.06 signs all over campus.
I’ve emailed Sen. Wentworth’s office requesting clarification.
My guess is they would have to give notice under 30.06.
Cursory reading of the text, and the bill seems good.
This is the House version of SB 321, and the text appears identical.
Doing a detailed search of the 82(R) – 2011 Legislature for any bill having the subject “Weapons (I0887)” (thanx Jay!), here’s a bunch of others. I’m only listing those of direct relation to “gun rights” (e.g. not listing HB 48).
HB 25 – Relating to the carrying of certain weapons in a watercraft.
HB 77 – Relating to the carrying of certain weapons in watercraft.
Looks to just add “watercraft” along with “motor vehicle” to a few parts of the Penal Code. Seems to be 2 bills for the same thing.
Not the same as SB 354, but close.
Both going for the same thing. They’ll hopefully reconcile and merge.
HB 181 – Relating to an exemption from the sales tax on handguns, rifles, shotguns, and ammunition.
HB 242 – Relating to the authority of certain retired peace officers to carry certain firearms.
HB 356 – Relating to the recognition of a nonresident license to carry a concealed handgun.
That one is a bit contentious. If you’re a Texas resident and wish to carry a concealed handgun, you must have a Texas CHL. Obtaining say a Utah permit and then carrying in Texas via reciprocity wouldn’t be able to fly. Yes you could still have a Utah CHL, but as a Texas resident you’d be required to have a Texas CHL.
That’s nice and all, but how about allowing the general public to also carry there? Look, if someone is going to come in and start doing evil things during a school board meeting, why should only the board members be allowed to defend themselves? Why not the general public? A CHL-holder is unlikely to be the evil-doer, and an evil-doer is going to do their evil regardless of any law. Why create privilege?
Updated: HB 750 was filed after I originally wrote this. So there are now 2 House bills (HB 750 and HB 86) and the one Senate bill (SB 354). All have similar but different text, so there’s going to have to be some work to reconcile things.
I get the feeling this is going to be one of the bigger issues of the legislative session.
Folks: contact your Texas State Senator’s and Representatives to let them know your stance on these bills. Furthermore, if you support these bills, urge your Senator or Representative to sign on as a co-author of the bill.
Finally, if you have not joined the Texas State Rifle Association, you should. Many of the things we enjoy in Texas came by way of the hard work of the TSRA and Alice Tripp. Support their efforts. (Disclosure: I am a TSRA Life Member, but otherwise have no connection to the TSRA; I just like supporting them and encouraging others to do so as well).
Stuff From Hsoi 