Texas Legislation
According to Texas law the 80th Legislature will be in session 140 days, from Tuesday, January 9, 2007 to Monday, May 28. The last day to file regular bills was Friday, March 9.
Governor Perry has until June 17 to review bills passed by the State Legislature. He can sign a bill to authorize new law, he can let a bill become law without signing, or he can veto a bill. Check the Governor's website at http://www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/press/bills for bills signed and vetoed.
This catalog of firearm related bills was updated June 19, 2007. Maintained by Larry Arnold, larnold@ktc.com.
Texas Legislation introduced in the 80th Legislature
Bills Catalogued
60 bills cataloged. 42 House Bills, 1 Joint Resolution, 17 Senate Bills, 15 Bills passed, 1 Bill vetoed, 3 comments.
Bills That Passed
Categories: Concealed carry. Status: Signed 5/24/07, Effective September 1, 2007.
Categories: Hunting. Status: Signed 6/15/07, Effective immediately.
Categories: Concealed carry. Status: Signed 5/23/07, Effective immediately
Categories: Possession. Status: Signed 6/15/07, Effective September 1, 2007.
Categories: Concealed handgun. Status: Signed 6/15/07, Effective September 1, 2007.
Categories: Law enforcement. Status: Signed 6/15/07, Effective immediately.
Categories: Concealed carry/Possession. Status: Signed 6/15/07, Effective September 1, 2007.
Categories: Law enforcement. Status: Signed 6/15/07, Effective immediately.
Categories: Possession. Status: Signed 4/27/07, Effective immediately.
Categories: Possession. Status: Signed 6/16/07, Effective immediately.
Categories: Self defense. Status: Signed 3/27/07, Effective September 1, 2007.
Categories: Concealed carry. Status: Signed 6/15/07, Effective September 1, 2007.
Categories: Law enforcement. Status: Signed 6/15/07, Effective immediately.
Categories: Possession. Status: Signed 5/17/07, Effective September 1, 2007.
Categories: Concealed carry. Status: Signed 6/16/07, Effective September 1, 2007.
Bills Passed But Vetoed
Categories: Law enforcement. Status: Vetoed by the Governor, 6/15/07. Filed 2/14/07. 02/20/2007 H Referred to Law Enforcement. 04/16/2007 H Left pending in committee. 04/19/2007 H Reported favorably as substituted. 04/24/2007 H Committee report sent to Calendars. 05/04/2007 H Placed on General State Calendar. 05/11/2007 S Received from the House. 05/19/2007 S Recommended for local & uncontested calendar. 05/23/2007 S Placed on intent calendar. 05/24/2007 H Senate Amendments printed and distributed. 05/28/2007 E Sent to the Governor.
Bills Not Passed
House Bills
- HB 101, by Riddle
Categories: Miscellaneous. Status: Filed 11/13/06. 01/29/2007 H Referred to Elections. 02/28/2007 H Scheduled for public hearing. 02/28/2007 H Left pending in committee.- Relating to the procedures for registering to vote and accepting a voter at a polling place.
- Relating to the procedures for registering to vote and accepting a voter at a polling place.
- A CHL is a valid form of identification when voting.
- HB 103, by Riddle
Categories: Self defense. Status: Filed 11/13/06. 01/29/2007 H Referred to Criminal Jurisprudence. Passed as SB 378.- Relating to the use of force or deadly force in defense of a person.
- Removes the requirement to retreat before using force if the other person is entering your home, auto, or workplace. In most cases removes the requirement to retreat before using deadly force. The force used must still be justified. Provides an affirmative defense against civil suits for justified self-defense, and provides that you can recover legal costs if someone sues you and looses. Identical to HB 284 and SB 378.
- HB 152, by Phillips
Categories: Hunting. Status: Filed 11/13/06. 01/30/2007 H Referred to Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. 04/10/2007 H Scheduled for public hearing. 04/10/2007 H Left pending in committee. 04/25/2007 H Committee report sent to Calendars. 05/04/2007 H Placed on General State Calendar. 05/14/2007 S Received from the House. 05/15/2007 S Referred to Natural Resources.- Relating to exempting certain military personnel from the hunter education program.
- Exempts active duty military personnel and honorably discharged veterans from taking Hunter Education. Military service does not teach safe hunting.
- HB 176, by Bailey
Categories: Ranges. Status: Filed 11/13/06. 01/30/2007 H Referred to County Affairs.- Relating to the authority of certain counties to enact noise regulations; providing a criminal penalty.
- Allows high population counties to regulate sound levels. No firing range exemption. See SB 283.
- HB 182, by Brown, Betty
Categories: Ranges. Status: Filed 11/13/06. 01/30/2007 H Referred to County Affairs. 02/28/2007 H Scheduled for public hearing. 04/16/2007 H Comm. report sent to Local & Consent Calendar. 05/02/2007 H Placed on Local, Consent, and Res. Calendar. 05/03/2007 S Received from the House. 05/07/2007 S Referred to Intergovernmental Relations. 05/16/2007 S Scheduled for public hearing.- Relating to the authority of certain counties to enact noise regulations; providing a criminal penalty.
- Allows high population counties to regulate sound levels. No firing range exemption.
- HB 218, by Brown, Betty
Categories: Miscellaneous. Status: Filed 11/14/06. 01/30/2007 H Referred to Elections. 02/28/2007 H Scheduled for public hearing. 02/28/2007 H Left pending in committee. 03/28/2007 H Reported favorably w/o amendment(s). 04/03/2007 H Committee report sent to Calendars. 04/17/2007 H Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator. 04/23/2007 H Placed on Major State Calendar. 04/25/2007 S Received from the House. 04/30/2007 S Scheduled for public hearing. 05/03/2007 S Co-sponsor authorized. 05/16/2007 S Co-sponsor authorized.- Relating to requiring a voter to present proof of identification.
- A CHL is a valid form of identification when voting.
- HB 220, by King, Phil
Categories: Concealed carry. Status: Filed 11/14/06. 01/31/2007 H Referred to Law Enforcement. 02/26/2007 H Scheduled for public hearing. 02/26/2007 H Left pending in committee. 03/19/2007 H Reported favorably as substituted. 03/28/2007 H Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator. 03/29/2007 H Committee report sent to Calendars. 04/26/2007 H Considered in Calendars.- Relating to the rights and liabilities of an employer with respect to the carrying of a concealed handgun.
- A public or private employer must allow concealed handgun licensees to transport or store a concealed handgun in their locked car in the employer's parking lot, garage, or other parking area unless the area is completely fenced and not open to the public and entrance and exits are monitored by security personnel, or possession is prohibited by state or federal law. A public or private employer would not be liable in a civil action for damages resulting from an occurrence involving the possession of a concealed handgun by a licensee. Identical to HB 511 and SB 739.
- HB 242, by Alonzo
Categories: Concealed carry/Law enforcement. Status: Filed 11/15/06. 01/31/2007 H Referred to Law Enforcement.- Relating to certain warning signs required on certain premises.
- Changes the wording on 30.06 and premises licensed for alcohol to state law enforcement officers are exempt. Provides an opportunity to unfavorably change the 30.06 sign.
- HB 258, by Corte, Frank
Categories: Possession. Status: Filed 11/16/06. 01/31/2007 H Referred to Defense Affairs & State-Fed Rel. 03/13/2007 H Scheduled for public hearing. 03/13/2007 H Left pending in committee. 03/20/2007 H Reported favorably as substituted. 03/30/2007 H Committee report printed and distributed. 04/10/2007 H Placed on General State Calendar. 04/11/2007 H Laid on the table subject to call. Passed as SB 112.- Relating to the confiscation of firearms and ammunition during a state of disaster.
- Prohibits the seizure or confiscation of any firearm or ammunition from an individual who is lawfully carrying or possessing the firearm or ammunition during a disaster. Police may temporarily disarm a person if the officer reasonably believes it is immediately necessary but must return the firearm and ammunition when the person is no longer detained unless the person is arrested or the firearm is siezed as evidence. See SB 112.
- HB 284, by Driver
Categories: Self defense. Status: Filed 11/17/06. 02/01/2007 H Referred to Criminal Jurisprudence. 02/27/2007 H Scheduled for public hearing. 02/27/2007 H Reported favorably as substituted. 03/06/2007 H Committee report sent to Calendars. 03/14/2007 H Placed on Major State Calendar. 03/14/2007 H Postponed. 03/19/2007 H Laid on the table subject to call. Passed as SB 378.- Relating to the use of force or deadly force in defense of a person.
- As substituted, removes the requirement to retreat before using force if the other person is entering your home, auto, or workplace. Removes the requirement to retreat before using deadly force. The force used must still be justified. Provides an affirmative defense against civil suits for justified self-defense, and provides that you can recover legal costs if someone sues you and looses. Identical to HB 103 and SB 378.
- HB 511, by Farabee
Categories: Concealed carry. Status: Filed 1/10/07. 02/05/2007 H Referred to Law Enforcement. 02/26/2007 H Scheduled for public hearing. 02/26/2007 H Left pending in committee.- Relating to the rights and liabilities of an employer with respect to the carrying of a concealed handgun.
- A public or private employer must allow concealed handgun licensees to transport or store a concealed handgun in their locked car in the employer's parking lot, garage, or other parking area unless the area is completely fenced and not open to the public and entrance and exits are monitored by security personnel, or possession is prohibited by state or federal law. A public or private employer would not be liable in a civil action for damages resulting from an occurrence involving the possession of a concealed handgun by a licensee. Identical to HB 220 and SB 739.
- HB 594, by Davis, Yvonne
Categories: Sale. Status: Filed 1/12/07. 02/06/2007 H Referred to Law Enforcement.- Relating to the creation of certain offenses concerning firearm sales at gun shows.
- Defines "gun show" as any place other than a gun store where three or more people display guns or gun parts if either the venders paid to participate or an entry fee is charged. Prohibits any transfer of a firearm except to a law enforcement officer without running a NICS check. Requires the show promoter to provide a dealer to conduct the checks for $10.00. Requires the seller of a firearm to keep a record of the sale. Exempts sales to peace officers. Makes it an offense for a promoter to allow a sale without an NICS check. Requires promoters to notify local law enforcement thirty days in advance of a show. Violation is a Class A Misdemeanor.
- HB 595, by Davis, Yvonne
Categories: Sale. Status: Filed 1/12/07. 02/06/2007 H Referred to Law Enforcement.- Relating to requiring a waiting period for the purchase or sale of a handgun; creating an offense.
- Makes it illegal to purchase more than one handgun in thirty days or to sell more than one handgun to the same person in thirty days. Requires DPS to issue a "handgun purchase form" which the purchaser of a handgun must complete and give to the seller. Requires the seller to send the purchase form to DPS, who will determine if the purchaser has bought more than one handgun in thirty days. Prohibits the seller from transfering the handgun before DPS notifies the seller of the result. Requires the seller to notify DPS of the date of sale, and provide any other information DPS decides to require. Exempts selling to FFL dealers, peace officers and probation officers, and judges and district and county attorneys with CHLs. Violation is a State Jail Felony.
- HB 626, by King, Phil
Categories: Miscellaneous. Status: Filed 1/18/07. 02/06/2007 H Referred to Elections. 02/28/2007 H Scheduled for public hearing. 02/28/2007 H Left pending in committee. 03/28/2007 H Reported favorably as substituted. 04/03/2007 H Committee report sent to Calendars. 04/17/2007 H Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator. 04/23/2007 H Placed on Major State Calendar. 04/23/2007 H Postponed. 05/03/2007 S Received from the House. 05/07/2007 S Referred to State Affairs. 05/17/2007 S Left pending in committee.- Relating to the procedures for registering to vote and accepting a voter at a polling place.
- Does not accept a CHL as a valid form of identification when voting.
- HB 954, by Farabee
Categories: Concealed carry. Status: Filed 1/30/07. 02/12/2007 H Referred to Law Enforcement. 03/26/2007 H Scheduled for public hearing. 03/26/2007 H Left pending in committee. 03/28/2007 H Reported favorably as substituted. 04/03/2007 H Committee report sent to Calendars. 04/17/2007 H Passed. 04/19/2007 S Referred to Criminal Justice.- Relating to extending to retired members of the armed forces the discount for concealed handgun licenses currently available to active members of the armed forces.
- Presently active duty servicemenbers receive a fifty percent discount on CHL fees. This bill extends the discount to retired members. Note that many retired servicemembers already qualify for the equivalent senior citizen discount.
- HB 979, by Berman
Categories: Miscellaneous. Status: Filed 11/30/06. 02/12/2007 H Referred to Elections.- Relating to requiring a voter to present proof of identification.
- A CHL is a valid form of identification when voting.
- HB 992, by Rose
Categories: Concealed carry. Status: Filed 1/30/07. 02/12/2007 H Referred to Law Enforcement. 02/26/2007 H Scheduled for public hearing. 02/26/2007 H Left pending in committee. 03/19/2007 H Reported favorably as substituted. 03/27/2007 H Committee report sent to Calendars. 04/24/2007 H Considered in Calendars.- Relating to certain rights and liabilities of an employer regarding an employee's access to a concealed handgun.
- A public or private employer may not penalize an employee with a CHL for securing a concealed handgun in the licensee's vehicle when parked in a company parking lot. Licensees must first file with their employers a copy of their CHLs, and written statements saying the employees are licensed, intend to secure a handgun in their cars, and cannot remove the handgun from their cars except for self-defense. The Section 46.035 "premises" definition applies. The employer may choose to supply an alternate storage location for the handguns. Employees illegally punished can sue. Does not authorize securing handguns where possession is prohibited by state or federal law. A public or private employer would not be liable in a civil action for damages resulting from an occurrence involving the possession of a concealed handgun by a licensee.
- HB 1037, by Farabee
Categories: Concealed carry/Possession. Status: Filed 2/1/07. 02/12/2007 H Referred to Law Enforcement. 02/26/2007 H Scheduled for public hearing. 02/26/2007 H Left pending in committee.- Relating to certain rights and liabilities of an employer regarding an employee's access to a firearm.
- A public or private employer may not penalize employees because they transported or stored a firearm in the employee's locked motor vehicle, regardless of whether the vehicle was located on the employer's property. The employee may be prohibited from carrying on the employer's premises, under the Section 46.035 "premises" definition. Improperly punished employees may sue. Does not authorize carrying firearms where possession is prohibited by state or federal law. A public or private employer would not be liable in a civil action for damages resulting from the storage of a firearm in an employee's motor vehicle. This law applies to all firearms and all gunowners, not just handguns and licensees.
- HB 1263, by Flynn
Categories: Possession. Status: Filed 2/08/07. 02/14/2007 H Referred to Human Services. 04/12/2007 H Scheduled for public hearing. 04/16/2007 H Left pending in committee. Passed as SB 322.- Relating to possession of firearms and ammunition in certain foster homes.
- Lawful possession of firearms and ammunition may not be prohibited in foster homes. Minimum safe storage requirements may be adopted. Identical to SB 322.
- HB 1334, by Homer
Categories: Hunting. Status: Filed 2/12/07. 02/14/2007 H Referred to Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. 03/13/2007 H Scheduled for public hearing. 03/20/2007 H Scheduled for public hearing. 03/20/2007 H Left pending in committee. 04/03/2007 H Reported favorably as substituted. 04/12/2007 H Comm. report sent to Local & Consent Calendar. 04/27/2007 H Placed on Local, Consent, and Res. Calendar. 04/29/2007 H Reported engrossed. 05/02/2007 S Referred to Natural Resources. 05/17/2007 S Left pending in committee. 05/18/2007 S Failed to receive affirmative vote in comm.- Relating to the use of crossbows by certain individuals.
- Current law permits hunting with a crossbow during regular season. Only those with upper limb deformities can use them during archery season. This bill extends that to people at least 65 years of age.
- HB 1535, by Martinez Fischer
Categories: Stun gun. Status: Filed 2/15/07. 02/21/2007 H Referred to Law Enforcement. 04/16/2007 H Left pending in committee.- Relating to generally prohibiting the carrying of a Taser or other stun gun; providing certain criminal penalties and defenses to prosecution for persons who obtain a license.
- Prohibits carrying Tasers and other stun guns that shoot prongs on wires unless you have a license. Establishes a licensing procedure similar to the CHL process.
- HB 1933, by Burnam
Categories: Stun gun. Status: Filed 2/26/07. 02/28/2007 H Referred to Law Enforcement.- Relating to the use of and reporting concerning the use of Tasers and other stun guns by law enforcement agencies.
- Requires law enforcement agencies to establish policies, provide training, and compile reports on stun guns.
- HB 1934, by Burnam
Categories: Stun gun. Status: Filed 2/26/07. 02/28/2007 H Referred to Law Enforcement. 04/16/2007 H Left pending in committee. 04/28/2007 H Committee report printed and distributed. 04/30/2007 H Committee report sent to Calendars.- Relating to the establishment by the Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education of a training program for law enforcement officers regarding the use of a Taser or other stun gun.
- Establishes a training course for stun guns and requires peace officers to pass it before carrying a stun gun.
- HB 1935, by Burnam
Categories: Stun gun. Status: Filed 2/26/07. 02/28/2007 H Referred to Law Enforcement.- Relating to generally prohibiting the carrying of a Taser or other stun gun; providing certain criminal penalties and defenses to prosecution for persons who obtain a license.
- Prohibits carrying Tasers and other stun guns that shoot prongs on wires unless you have a license. Establishes a licensing procedure similar to the CHL process.
- HB 1936, by Burnam
Categories: Stun gun. Status: Filed 2/26/07. 02/28/2007 H Referred to Law Enforcement. 04/16/2007 H Left pending in committee.- Relating to a medical examination for individuals against whom a peace officer uses a Taser or other stun gun.
- A law enforcement officer would be required to provide a medical examination immediately after using a Taser or stun gun on someone.
- HB 2643, by Rose
Categories: Hunting. Status: Filed 3/6/07. 03/13/2007 H Referred to Culture, Recreation, and Tourism.- Relating to exempting certain military personnel from the hunter education program.
- Exempts active duty military personnel and honorably discharged veterans from taking Hunter Education. Military service does not teach safe hunting.
- HB 2774, by Geren
Categories: Posession. Status: Filed 3/6/07. 03/14/2007 H Referred to Criminal Jurisprudence. 04/24/2007 H Scheduled for public hearing. 05/07/2007 H Reported favorably as substituted.- Relating to areas of an airport where weapons are prohibited; providing a penalty.
- Current law prohibits possession of firearms in the secured area of an airport. This bill extends that prohibition to the "restricted" area of an airport. "Restricted area" means that area of an airport where aircraft movement and support activities occur, and enclosed airport land adjacent to such area, to which ingress is permitted only by specific authorization of the airport operator. The bill also reduces the penalty for violating PC 46.03 from a third degree felony to a class A misdemeanor. According to a comment it would prohibit carrying firearms in private aviation. Identical to SB 1003. Comment 1. Comment 2. Comment 3.
- HB 2952, by Talton
Categories: Concealed carry. Status: Filed 3/7/07. 03/15/2007 H Referred to Law Enforcement. 04/16/2007 H Left pending in committee. 04/19/2007 H Reported favorably as substituted. 04/24/2007 H Committee report sent to Calendars.- Relating to the eligibility of persons convicted of certain offenses to obtain a license to carry a concealed handgun.
- Restates the definition of "felony" as applied to CHL eligibility.
- HB 3021, by Dukes
Categories: Possession. Status: Filed 3/7/07. 03/15/2007 H Referred to Criminal Jurisprudence. 04/03/2007 H Scheduled for public hearing. 04/03/2007 H Left pending in committee. 04/17/2007 H Committee report sent to Calendars. 05/01/2007 H Placed on General State Calendar. 05/02/2007 H Laid on the table subject to call.- Relating to the notice given to certain offenders of prohibitions under federal and state law.
- Requires that persons convicted of family violence misdemeanors be notified they can't possess firearms.
- HB 3296, by Driver
Categories: Self defense. Status: Filed 3/6/07. 03/20/2007 H Referred to Law Enforcement.- Relating to the use of force or deadly force in defense of a person.
- This bill reduces the responsibility to retreat of a CHL, but increases the responsibility to retreat for everyone else.
- HB 3451, by Smith, Todd
Categories: Concealed carry. Status: Filed 3/8/07. 03/21/2007 H Referred to Law Enforcement. 04/16/2007 H Left pending in committee.- Relating to the eligibility requirements for the renewal of a license to carry a concealed handgun.
- A person who was issued a CHL when a crime was not a felony can't be denied renewal because the offense becomes a felony. Identical to SB 745.
- HB 3635, by Turner
Categories: Concealed carry. Status: Filed 3/9/07. 03/22/2007 H Referred to Law Enforcement. 04/16/2007 H Left pending in committee. 04/19/2007 H Reported favorably as substituted. 04/24/2007 H Comm. report sent to Local & Consent Calendar. 05/04/2007 H Passed. 05/08/2007 S Referred to Criminal Justice. Passed as SB 1709.- Relating to procedures to limit the carrying of handguns by persons other than peace officers on certain premises used for law enforcement.
- Gives peace officers the right to disarm persons entering a non-public, secure area of a law enforcement facility and requires peace officers to return the gun when the persons leave the facility. Requires that a sign to that effect be posted on all doors into the secured area. Identical to SB 1709.
- HB 3844, by Hilderbran
Categories: Hunting. Status: Filed 3/9/07. 03/22/2007 H Referred to Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. 04/10/2007 H Left pending in committee. 05/01/2007 H Reported favorably as substituted. 05/08/2007 H Committee report sent to Calendars.- Relating to the use of certain weapons in or on the beds or banks of navigable rivers or streams in certain counties; providing a criminal penalty.
- Adds Kimble and Mason to the list of counties where discharging a firearm or bow is prohibited in navigable river bottoms. Contains a CHL exception.
- HB 103, by Riddle
Joint Resolutions
- HJR 70, by Farabee
Categories: Hunting. Status: Filed 2/19/07. 02/27/2007 H Referred to Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. 04/24/2007 H Scheduled for public hearing.- Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the right to hunt, fish, and otherwise enjoy reasonable access to certain natural resources and the right to enjoy clean air and water.
- Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the right to hunt, fish, and otherwise enjoy reasonable access to certain natural resources and the right to enjoy clean air and water.
- Establishes in the Texas Constitution the right to hunt and fish on public or private lands and public or private waters, the right to enjoy reasonable access to public lands and public waters for hunting, fishing, and other purposes, and the right to enjoy clean air and water.
Senate Bills
- SB 122, by Deuell
Categories: Concealed carry. Status: Filed 11/28/06. 01/29/2007 S Referred to State Affairs. Passed as HB 991.- Relating to the confidentiality of certain records maintained by the Department of Public Safety regarding persons licensed to carry a concealed handgun.
- Relating to the confidentiality of certain records maintained by the Department of Public Safety regarding persons licensed to carry a concealed handgun.
- Eliminates the procedure for just anyone to find out whether a person has a CHL by requesting the information from DPS. Law enforcement agencies can still check. Identical to HB 991.
- SB 283, by Gallegos
Categories: Ranges. Status: Filed 1/23/07. 01/30/2007 S Referred to Intergovernmental Relations.- Relating to the authority of certain counties to enact noise regulations; providing a criminal penalty.
- Allows high population counties to regulate sound levels. No firing range exemption. See HB 176.
- SB 316, by Ogden
Categories: Concealed carry, Hunting. Status: Filed 1/25/07. 02/14/2007 S Referred to Government Organization. 02/26/2007 S Meeting cancelled. 03/05/2007 S Scheduled for public hearing. 03/05/2007 S Considered in public hearing. 03/12/2007 S Committee report printed and distributed. 03/28/2007 S Reported engrossed. 03/30/2007 H Referred to Government Reform. 05/07/2007 H Scheduled for public hearing. 05/07/2007 H Left pending in committee. 05/18/2007 H Committee report printed and distributed. 05/22/2007 H Placed on General State Calendar.- Relating to the suspension or revocation of a state-issued license if the applicant for the license makes a false statement.
- A licensing authority may suspend or revoke a person's license after determining that the person knowingly made a false statement in connection with applying for or renewing the license.
- SB 534, by Hegar
Categories: Concealed carry. Status: Filed 2/8/07. 02/26/2007 S Referred to Criminal Justice. 03/20/2007 S Scheduled for public hearing. 03/20/2007 S Testimony taken in committee. 03/28/2007 S Placed on intent calendar. 03/29/2007 H Received from the Senate. 04/02/2007 H Referred to Law Enforcement. 04/12/2007 H Reported favorably as substituted. 04/19/2007 H No action taken in committee. 04/25/2007 H Committee report sent to Calendars. 05/22/2007 H Placed on General State Calendar.- Relating to certain rights and liabilities of an employer regarding an employee's access to a concealed handgun.
- A public or private employer may not penalize an employee with a CHL for securing a concealed handgun in the licensee's vehicle when parked in a company parking lot. Licensees must first file with their employers a copy of their CHLs, and written statements saying the employees are licensed, intend to secure a handgun in their cars, and cannot remove the handgun from their cars except for self-defense. The Section 46.035 "premises" definition applies. The employer may choose to supply an alternate storage location for the handguns. Employees illegally punished can sue. Does not authorize securing handguns where possession is prohibited by state or federal law. A public or private employer would not be liable in a civil action for damages resulting from an occurrence involving the possession of a concealed handgun by a licensee.
- SB 739, by Williams
Categories: Concealed carry. Status: Filed 2/19/07. 03/06/2007 S Referred to Criminal Justice.- Relating to the rights and liabilities of an employer with respect to the carrying of a concealed handgun.
- A public or private employer must allow concealed handgun licensees to transport or store a concealed handgun in their locked car in the employer's parking lot, garage, or other parking area unless the area is completely fenced and not open to the public and entrance and exits are monitored by security personnel, or possession is prohibited by state or federal law. A public or private employer would not be liable in a civil action for damages resulting from an occurrence involving the possession of a concealed handgun by a licensee. Identical to HB 220 and HB 511.
- SB 745, by Seliger
Categories: Concealed carry. Status: Filed 2/19/07. 03/06/2007 S Referred to Criminal Justice. 04/17/2007 S Scheduled for public hearing. 04/20/2007 S Committee report printed and distributed. 05/01/2007 S Placed on local & uncontested calendar.05/04/2007 H Referred to Law Enforcement. 05/18/2007 H Committee report sent to Calendars.- Relating to the eligibility requirements for the renewal of a license to carry a concealed handgun.
- A person who was issued a CHL when a crime was not a felony can't be denied renewal because the offense becomes a felony. Identical to HB 3451.
- SB 970, by Van de Putte
Categories: Concealed carry. Status: Filed 2/27/07. 03/07/2007 S Referred to Criminal Justice.- Relating to restrictions on the use of stun guns; providing a penalty.
- Limits possession of a stun gun to law enforcement, security guards, and CHLs who take a DPS designed course. Only trained law enforcement officers can teach the class.
- SB 1003, by Harris
Categories: Possession. Status: Filed 2/28/07. 03/14/2007 S Referred to Criminal Justice. 05/08/2007 S Scheduled for public hearing. 05/08/2007 S No action taken in committee.- Relating to areas of an airport where weapons are prohibited; providing a penalty.
- Current law prohibits possession of firearms in the secured area of an airport. This bill extends that prohibition to the "restricted" area of an airport. "Restricted area" means that area of an airport where aircraft movement and support activities occur, and enclosed airport land adjacent to such area, to which ingress is permitted only by specific authorization of the airport operator. The bill also reduces the penalty for violating PC 46.03 from a third degree felony to a class A misdemeanor. According to a comment it would prohibit carrying firearms in private aviation. Identical to HB 2774. Comment 1.
- SB 1109, by Watson
Categories: Law enforcement. Status: Filed 3/2/07. 03/14/2007 S Referred to Criminal Justice.- Relating to exempting certain federal judges from certain procedural requirements for obtaining or renewing a concealed handgun license.
- Adds Federal judges to the list of Active Judicial Officers who can take a shorter CHL class.
- SB 1755, by Ellis
Categories: Possession. Status: Filed 3/9/07. 03/21/2007 S Referred to Criminal Justice. 05/08/2007 S Scheduled for public hearing. 05/08/2007 S Left pending in committee. 05/15/2007 S Placed on intent calendar. 05/22/2007 S Placed on local & uncontested calendar. 05/22/2007 H Referred to Law Enforcement.- Relating to the collection and dissemination of certain information for a federal firearm background check.
- Defines "federal prohibited person information" with regard to mental health records. Requires the reporting of such information by mental health providers to the Department of Public Safety and requires DPS to receive such information and share it with the FBI only for firearm possession NICS purposes.
- SB 283, by Gallegos
Submitted Comments
- Comment 1, 3/15/07, Walter Lee
- HB 2774
- HB 2774 creates an offense in the restricted portion of an airport. Almost all private aviation operations are held from such an area. While I am not a pilot and do not own a plane, many is the time when I have flown in private planes. What this change does is effectly make carry on private planes illegal. There is no way to "check baggage." Can this one be re-thought?
- Larry's response:
- Point well taken. Recommendation reversed on both HB 2774 and the identical SB 1003.
Thanks for your comment.
- Comment 2, 3/27/07, Joey Hurst
- HB 2774
- Great website. My 2 cents worth---hb2774---bad idea as I am a private pilot and a CHL holder and a hunter. I use my plane a lot to go to my deer leases etc. or fly in to different places for overnight visits etc. This bill would stop me from having my concealed handgun with me and maybe wouldn't allow my hunting type guns. Thank you.
- Larry's response:
- Thanks for the complement. I agree with your point on HB 2774.
Thanks for your comment.
- Comment 3, 3/31/07, Carl Licari
- HB 2774
- As a sportsman I am trying to figure out what the purpose of this House Bill 2774 might be. What is obvious to myself and others I've discussed it with is that as a sportsman and private pilot I can forget flying to another part of the state to hunt or compete. How much commerce will be lost from out-of-state hunters flying into Texas contracted with outfitters in Texas? How much vandalism and theft can we expect to incur with perpetrators knowing there isn't a gun on the airfield to stop their acts. As a professional in the transportation industry and a pilot I'm still scratching my head on this one.
- Larry's response:
- I am too. Thanks for your comment.
Using this Resource
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