Bill Text: TX HB944 | 2015-2016 | 84th Legislature | Introduced

---

Bill Title: Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry the handgun; providing penalties.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2015-03-02 - Referred to Homeland Security & Public Safety [HB944 Detail]

Download: Texas-2015-HB944-Introduced.html

---

84R100 JSC-F
By: Kacal H.B. No. 944

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a
handgun to openly carry the handgun; providing penalties.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 11.041(a), Alcoholic Beverage Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(a) Each holder of a permit who is not otherwise required to
display a sign under Section 411.204, Government Code, shall
display in a prominent place on the permit holder's premises a sign
giving notice that it is unlawful for a person to carry a weapon on
the premises unless the weapon is a concealed or unconcealed
handgun the person is licensed to carry under Subchapter H, Chapter
411, Government Code.
SECTION 2. Section 11.61(e), Alcoholic Beverage Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(e) Except as provided by Subsection (f) or (i), the
commission or administrator shall cancel an original or renewal
permit if it is found, after notice and hearing, that the permittee
knowingly allowed a person to possess a firearm in a building on the
licensed premises. This subsection does not apply to a person:
(1) who holds a security officer commission issued
under Chapter 1702, Occupations Code, if:
(A) the person is engaged in the performance of
the person's duties as a security officer;
(B) the person is wearing a distinctive uniform;
and
(C) the weapon is in plain view;
(2) who is a peace officer;
(3) who is a permittee or an employee of a permittee if
the person is supervising the operation of the premises; or
(4) who possesses a [concealed] handgun the person is
licensed to carry under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code,
regardless of whether the handgun is carried in a concealed or
unconcealed manner, unless the person is on the premises of a
business described by Section 46.035(b)(1), Penal Code.
SECTION 3. Section 61.11(a), Alcoholic Beverage Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(a) Each holder of a license who is not otherwise required
to display a sign under Section 411.204, Government Code, shall
display in a prominent place on the license holder's premises a sign
giving notice that it is unlawful for a person to carry a weapon on
the premises unless the weapon is a concealed or unconcealed
handgun the person is licensed to carry under Subchapter H, Chapter
411, Government Code.
SECTION 4. Section 61.71(f), Alcoholic Beverage Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(f) Except as provided by Subsection (g) or (j), the
commission or administrator shall cancel an original or renewal
dealer's on-premises or off-premises license if it is found, after
notice and hearing, that the licensee knowingly allowed a person to
possess a firearm in a building on the licensed premises. This
subsection does not apply to a person:
(1) who holds a security officer commission issued
under Chapter 1702, Occupations Code, if:
(A) the person is engaged in the performance of
the person's duties as a security officer;
(B) the person is wearing a distinctive uniform;
and
(C) the weapon is in plain view;
(2) who is a peace officer;
(3) who is a licensee or an employee of a licensee if
the person is supervising the operation of the premises; or
(4) who possesses a [concealed] handgun the person is
licensed to carry under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code,
regardless of whether the handgun is carried in a concealed or
unconcealed manner, unless the person is on the premises of a
business described by Section 46.035(b)(1), Penal Code.
SECTION 5. Article 7A.05(c), Code of Criminal Procedure, is
amended to read as follows:
(c) In a protective order, the court may suspend a license
to carry a concealed or unconcealed handgun issued under Section
411.177, Government Code, that is held by the alleged offender.
SECTION 6. Article 17.292(l), Code of Criminal Procedure,
is amended to read as follows:
(l) In the order for emergency protection, the magistrate
shall suspend a license to carry a concealed or unconcealed handgun
issued under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, that is
held by the defendant.
SECTION 7. Article 17.293, Code of Criminal Procedure, is
amended to read as follows:
Art. 17.293. DELIVERY OF ORDER FOR EMERGENCY PROTECTION TO
OTHER PERSONS. The magistrate or the clerk of the magistrate's
court issuing an order for emergency protection under Article
17.292 that suspends a license to carry a concealed or unconcealed
handgun shall immediately send a copy of the order to the
appropriate division of the Department of Public Safety at its
Austin headquarters. On receipt of the order suspending the
license, the department shall:
(1) record the suspension of the license in the
records of the department;
(2) report the suspension to local law enforcement
agencies, as appropriate; and
(3) demand surrender of the suspended license from the
license holder.
SECTION 8. Sections 37.0811(d) and (f), Education Code, are
amended to read as follows:
(d) Any written regulations adopted for purposes of
Subsection (c) must provide that a school marshal may carry a
concealed or unconcealed handgun as described by Subsection (c),
except that if the primary duty of the school marshal involves
regular, direct contact with students, the marshal may not carry a
concealed or unconcealed handgun but may possess a handgun on the
physical premises of a school in a locked and secured safe within
the marshal's immediate reach when conducting the marshal's primary
duty. The written regulations must also require that a handgun
carried by or within access of a school marshal may be loaded only
with frangible ammunition designed to disintegrate on impact for
maximum safety and minimal danger to others.
(f) A school district or charter school employee's status as
a school marshal becomes inactive on:
(1) expiration of the employee's school marshal
license under Section 1701.260, Occupations Code;
(2) suspension or revocation of the employee's license
to carry a concealed or unconcealed handgun issued under Subchapter
H, Chapter 411, Government Code;
(3) termination of the employee's employment with the
district or charter school; or
(4) notice from the board of trustees of the district
or the governing body of the charter school that the employee's
services as school marshal are no longer required.
SECTION 9. Section 63.0101, Election Code, is amended to
read as follows:
Sec. 63.0101. DOCUMENTATION OF PROOF OF
IDENTIFICATION. The following documentation is an acceptable form
of photo identification under this chapter:
(1) a driver's license, election identification
certificate, or personal identification card issued to the person
by the Department of Public Safety that has not expired or that
expired no earlier than 60 days before the date of presentation;
(2) a United States military identification card that
contains the person's photograph that has not expired or that
expired no earlier than 60 days before the date of presentation;
(3) a United States citizenship certificate issued to
the person that contains the person's photograph;
(4) a United States passport issued to the person that
has not expired or that expired no earlier than 60 days before the
date of presentation; or
(5) a license to carry a concealed or unconcealed
handgun issued to the person by the Department of Public Safety that
has not expired or that expired no earlier than 60 days before the
date of presentation.
SECTION 10. Section 2.005(b), Family Code, is amended to
read as follows:
(b) The proof must be established by:
(1) a driver's license or identification card issued
by this state, another state, or a Canadian province that is current
or has expired not more than two years preceding the date the
identification is submitted to the county clerk in connection with
an application for a license;
(2) a United States passport;
(3) a current passport issued by a foreign country or a
consular document issued by a state or national government;
(4) an unexpired Certificate of United States
Citizenship, Certificate of Naturalization, United States Citizen
Identification Card, Permanent Resident Card, Temporary Resident
Card, Employment Authorization Card, or other document issued by
the federal Department of Homeland Security or the United States
Department of State including an identification photograph;
(5) an unexpired military identification card for
active duty, reserve, or retired personnel with an identification
photograph;
(6) an original or certified copy of a birth
certificate issued by a bureau of vital statistics for a state or a
foreign government;
(7) an original or certified copy of a Consular Report
of Birth Abroad or Certificate of Birth Abroad issued by the United
States Department of State;
(8) an original or certified copy of a court order
relating to the applicant's name change or sex change;
(9) school records from a secondary school or
institution of higher education;
(10) an insurance policy continuously valid for the
two years preceding the date of the application for a license;
(11) a motor vehicle certificate of title;
(12) military records, including documentation of
release or discharge from active duty or a draft record;
(13) an unexpired military dependent identification
card;
(14) an original or certified copy of the applicant's
marriage license or divorce decree;
(15) a voter registration certificate;
(16) a pilot's license issued by the Federal Aviation
Administration or another authorized agency of the United States;
(17) a license to carry a concealed or unconcealed
handgun under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code;
(18) a temporary driving permit or a temporary
identification card issued by the Department of Public Safety; or
(19) an offender identification card issued by the
Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
SECTION 11. Section 58.003(m), Family Code, is amended to
read as follows:
(m) On request of the Department of Public Safety, a
juvenile court shall reopen and allow the department to inspect the
files and records of the juvenile court relating to an applicant for
a license to carry a concealed or unconcealed handgun under
Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code.
SECTION 12. Section 85.022(d), Family Code, is amended to
read as follows:
(d) In a protective order, the court shall suspend a license
to carry a concealed or unconcealed handgun issued under Subchapter
H, Chapter 411, Government Code, that is held by a person found to
have committed family violence.
SECTION 13. Section 85.042(e), Family Code, is amended to
read as follows:
(e) The clerk of the court issuing an original or modified
protective order under Section 85.022 that suspends a license to
carry a concealed or unconcealed handgun shall send a copy of the
order to the appropriate division of the Department of Public
Safety at its Austin headquarters. On receipt of the order
suspending the license, the department shall:
(1) record the suspension of the license in the
records of the department;
(2) report the suspension to local law enforcement
agencies, as appropriate; and
(3) demand surrender of the suspended license from the
license holder.
SECTION 14. The heading to Section 411.047, Government
Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 411.047. REPORTING RELATED TO CERTAIN [CONCEALED]
HANDGUN INCIDENTS.
SECTION 15. Section 411.0625, Government Code, is amended
to read as follows:
Sec. 411.0625. PASS FOR EXPEDITED ACCESS TO CAPITOL. (a)
The department shall allow a person to enter the Capitol and the
Capitol Extension, including any public space in the Capitol or
Capitol Extension, in the same manner as the department allows
entry to a person who presents a concealed or unconcealed handgun
license under Subchapter H if the person:
(1) obtains from the department a Capitol access pass;
and
(2) presents the pass to the appropriate law
enforcement official when entering the building or a space within
the building.
(b) To be eligible for a Capitol access pass, a person must
meet the eligibility requirements applicable to a license to carry
a concealed or unconcealed handgun under Subchapter H, other than
requirements regarding evidence of handgun proficiency.
(c) The department shall adopt rules to establish a
procedure by which a resident of the state may apply for and be
issued a Capitol access pass. Rules adopted under this section
must include provisions for eligibility, application, approval,
issuance, and renewal that:
(1) require the department to conduct the same
background check on an applicant for a Capitol access pass that is
conducted on an applicant for a concealed or unconcealed handgun
license under Subchapter H;
(2) enable the department to conduct the background
check described by Subdivision (1); and
(3) establish application and renewal fees in amounts
sufficient to cover the cost of administering this section, not to
exceed the amounts of similar fees required for a concealed or
unconcealed handgun license under Section 411.174.
SECTION 16. The heading to Subchapter H, Chapter 411,
Government Code, is amended to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER H. LICENSE TO CARRY A CONCEALED
OR UNCONCEALED HANDGUN
SECTION 17. Section 411.171, Government Code, is amended by
adding Subdivision (8) to read as follows:
(8) "Unconcealed handgun" means a loaded or unloaded
handgun carried upon the person in a shoulder or belt holster that
is wholly or partially visible.
SECTION 18. Sections 411.172(a), (b-1), (g), and (h),
Government Code, are amended to read as follows:
(a) A person is eligible for a license to carry a concealed
or unconcealed handgun if the person:
(1) is a legal resident of this state for the six-month
period preceding the date of application under this subchapter or
is otherwise eligible for a license under Section 411.173(a);
(2) is at least 21 years of age;
(3) has not been convicted of a felony;
(4) is not charged with the commission of a Class A or
Class B misdemeanor or equivalent offense, or of an offense under
Section 42.01, Penal Code, or equivalent offense, or of a felony
under an information or indictment;
(5) is not a fugitive from justice for a felony or a
Class A or Class B misdemeanor or equivalent offense;
(6) is not a chemically dependent person;
(7) is not incapable of exercising sound judgment with
respect to the proper use and storage of a handgun;
(8) has not, in the five years preceding the date of
application, been convicted of a Class A or Class B misdemeanor or
equivalent offense or of an offense under Section 42.01, Penal
Code, or equivalent offense;
(9) is fully qualified under applicable federal and
state law to purchase a handgun;
(10) has not been finally determined to be delinquent
in making a child support payment administered or collected by the
attorney general;
(11) has not been finally determined to be delinquent
in the payment of a tax or other money collected by the comptroller,
the tax collector of a political subdivision of the state, or any
agency or subdivision of the state;
(12) is not currently restricted under a court
protective order or subject to a restraining order affecting the
spousal relationship, other than a restraining order solely
affecting property interests;
(13) has not, in the 10 years preceding the date of
application, been adjudicated as having engaged in delinquent
conduct violating a penal law of the grade of felony; and
(14) has not made any material misrepresentation, or
failed to disclose any material fact, in an application submitted
pursuant to Section 411.174.
(b-1) An offense is not considered a felony for purposes of
Subsection (b) if, at the time of a person's application for a
license to carry a concealed or unconcealed handgun, the offense:
(1) is not designated by a law of this state as a
felony; and
(2) does not contain all the elements of any offense
designated by a law of this state as a felony.
(g) Notwithstanding Subsection (a)(2), a person who is at
least 18 years of age but not yet 21 years of age is eligible for a
license to carry a concealed or unconcealed handgun if the person:
(1) is a member or veteran of the United States armed
forces, including a member or veteran of the reserves or national
guard;
(2) was discharged under honorable conditions, if
discharged from the United States armed forces, reserves, or
national guard; and
(3) meets the other eligibility requirements of
Subsection (a) except for the minimum age required by federal law to
purchase a handgun.
(h) The issuance of a license to carry a concealed or
unconcealed handgun to a person eligible under Subsection (g) does
not affect the person's ability to purchase a handgun or ammunition
under federal law.
SECTION 19. Section 411.173(b), Government Code, is amended
to read as follows:
(b) The governor shall negotiate an agreement with any other
state that provides for the issuance of a license to carry a
concealed or unconcealed handgun under which a license issued by
the other state is recognized in this state or shall issue a
proclamation that a license issued by the other state is recognized
in this state if the attorney general of the State of Texas
determines that a background check of each applicant for a license
issued by that state is initiated by state or local authorities or
an agent of the state or local authorities before the license is
issued. For purposes of this subsection, "background check" means
a search of the National Crime Information Center database and the
Interstate Identification Index maintained by the Federal Bureau of
Investigation.
SECTION 20. Section 411.174(a), Government Code, is amended
to read as follows:
(a) An applicant for a license to carry a concealed or
unconcealed handgun must submit to the director's designee
described by Section 411.176:
(1) a completed application on a form provided by the
department that requires only the information listed in Subsection
(b);
(2) one or more photographs of the applicant that meet
the requirements of the department;
(3) a certified copy of the applicant's birth
certificate or certified proof of age;
(4) proof of residency in this state;
(5) two complete sets of legible and classifiable
fingerprints of the applicant taken by a person appropriately
trained in recording fingerprints who is employed by a law
enforcement agency or by a private entity designated by a law
enforcement agency as an entity qualified to take fingerprints of
an applicant for a license under this subchapter;
(6) a nonrefundable application and license fee of
$140 paid to the department;
(7) evidence of handgun proficiency, in the form and
manner required by the department;
(8) an affidavit signed by the applicant stating that
the applicant:
(A) has read and understands each provision of
this subchapter that creates an offense under the laws of this state
and each provision of the laws of this state related to use of
deadly force; and
(B) fulfills all the eligibility requirements
listed under Section 411.172; and
(9) a form executed by the applicant that authorizes
the director to make an inquiry into any noncriminal history
records that are necessary to determine the applicant's eligibility
for a license under Section 411.172(a).
SECTION 21. Section 411.177(a), Government Code, is amended
to read as follows:
(a) The department shall issue a license to carry a
concealed or unconcealed handgun to an applicant if the applicant
meets all the eligibility requirements and submits all the
application materials. The department shall administer the
licensing procedures in good faith so that any applicant who meets
all the eligibility requirements and submits all the application
materials shall receive a license. The department may not deny an
application on the basis of a capricious or arbitrary decision by
the department.
SECTION 22. Section 411.185(c), Government Code, is amended
to read as follows:
(c) The director by rule shall adopt an informational form
that describes state law regarding the use of deadly force and the
places where it is unlawful for the holder of a license issued under
this subchapter to carry a concealed or unconcealed handgun. An
applicant for a renewed license must sign and return the
informational form to the department by mail or acknowledge the
form electronically on the Internet according to the procedure
adopted under Subsection (f).
SECTION 23. Section 411.188(g), Government Code, is amended
to read as follows:
(g) A person who wishes to obtain a license to carry a
concealed or unconcealed handgun must apply in person to a
qualified handgun instructor to take the appropriate course in
handgun proficiency and demonstrate handgun proficiency as
required by the department.
SECTION 24. Sections 411.190(c) and (f), Government Code,
are amended to read as follows:
(c) In the manner applicable to a person who applies for a
license to carry a concealed or unconcealed handgun, the department
shall conduct a background check of a person who applies for
certification as a qualified handgun instructor. If the background
check indicates that the applicant for certification would not
qualify to receive a handgun license, the department may not
certify the applicant as a qualified handgun instructor. If the
background check indicates that the applicant for certification
would qualify to receive a handgun license, the department shall
provide handgun instructor training to the applicant. The
applicant shall pay a fee of $100 to the department for the
training. The applicant must take and successfully complete the
training offered by the department and pay the training fee before
the department may certify the applicant as a qualified handgun
instructor. The department shall issue a license to carry a
concealed or unconcealed handgun under the authority of this
subchapter to any person who is certified as a qualified handgun
instructor and who pays to the department a fee of $100 in addition
to the training fee. The department by rule may prorate or waive
the training fee for an employee of another governmental entity.
(f) If the department determines that a reason exists to
revoke, suspend, or deny a license to carry a concealed or
unconcealed handgun with respect to a person who is a qualified
handgun instructor or an applicant for certification as a qualified
handgun instructor, the department shall take that action against
the person's:
(1) license to carry a concealed or unconcealed
handgun if the person is an applicant for or the holder of a license
issued under this subchapter; and
(2) certification as a qualified handgun instructor.
SECTION 25. Section 411.1901(c), Government Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(c) A qualified handgun instructor certified in school
safety under this section may provide school safety training,
including instruction in the subjects listed under Subsection (a),
to employees of a school district or an open-enrollment charter
school who hold a license to carry a concealed or unconcealed
handgun issued under this subchapter.
SECTION 26. Section 411.198(a), Government Code, is amended
to read as follows:
(a) On written approval of the director, the department may
issue to a law enforcement officer an alias license to carry a
concealed or unconcealed handgun to be used in supervised
activities involving criminal investigations.
SECTION 27. Sections 411.201(c), (d), (e), and (h),
Government Code, are amended to read as follows:
(c) An active judicial officer is eligible for a license to
carry a concealed or unconcealed handgun under the authority of
this subchapter. A retired judicial officer is eligible for a
license to carry a concealed or unconcealed handgun under the
authority of this subchapter if the officer:
(1) has not been convicted of a felony;
(2) has not, in the five years preceding the date of
application, been convicted of a Class A or Class B misdemeanor or
equivalent offense;
(3) is not charged with the commission of a Class A or
Class B misdemeanor or equivalent offense or of a felony under an
information or indictment;
(4) is not a chemically dependent person; and
(5) is not a person of unsound mind.
(d) An applicant for a license who is an active or retired
judicial officer must submit to the department:
(1) a completed application, including all required
affidavits, on a form prescribed by the department;
(2) one or more photographs of the applicant that meet
the requirements of the department;
(3) two complete sets of legible and classifiable
fingerprints of the applicant, including one set taken by a person
employed by a law enforcement agency who is appropriately trained
in recording fingerprints;
(4) evidence of handgun proficiency, in the form and
manner required by the department for an applicant under this
section;
(5) a nonrefundable application and license fee set by
the department in an amount reasonably designed to cover the
administrative costs associated with issuance of a license to carry
a concealed or unconcealed handgun under this subchapter; and
(6) if the applicant is a retired judicial officer, a
form executed by the applicant that authorizes the department to
make an inquiry into any noncriminal history records that are
necessary to determine the applicant's eligibility for a license
under this subchapter.
(e) On receipt of all the application materials required by
this section, the department shall:
(1) if the applicant is an active judicial officer,
issue a license to carry a concealed or unconcealed handgun under
the authority of this subchapter; or
(2) if the applicant is a retired judicial officer,
conduct an appropriate background investigation to determine the
applicant's eligibility for the license and, if the applicant is
eligible, issue a license to carry a concealed or unconcealed
handgun under the authority of this subchapter.
(h) The department shall issue a license to carry a
concealed or unconcealed handgun under the authority of this
subchapter to an elected attorney representing the state in the
prosecution of felony cases who meets the requirements of this
section for an active judicial officer. The department shall waive
any fee required for the issuance of an original, duplicate, or
renewed license under this subchapter for an applicant who is an
attorney elected or employed to represent the state in the
prosecution of felony cases.
SECTION 28. Section 411.203, Government Code, is amended to
read as follows:
Sec. 411.203. RIGHTS OF EMPLOYERS. This subchapter does
not prevent or otherwise limit the right of a public or private
employer to prohibit persons who are licensed under this subchapter
from carrying a concealed handgun or an unconcealed handgun on the
premises of the business. In this section, "premises" has the
meaning assigned by Section 46.035(f)(3), Penal Code.
SECTION 29. Section 411.2032(b), Government Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(b) An institution of higher education or private or
independent institution of higher education in this state may not
adopt or enforce any rule, regulation, or other provision or take
any other action, including posting notice under Section 30.06 or
30.07, Penal Code, prohibiting or placing restrictions on the
storage or transportation of a firearm or ammunition in a locked,
privately owned or leased motor vehicle by a person, including a
student enrolled at that institution, who holds a license to carry a
concealed or unconcealed handgun under this subchapter and lawfully
possesses the firearm or ammunition:
(1) on a street or driveway located on the campus of
the institution; or
(2) in a parking lot, parking garage, or other parking
area located on the campus of the institution.
SECTION 30. Section 12.092(b), Health and Safety Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(b) The medical advisory board shall assist the Department
of Public Safety of the State of Texas in determining whether:
(1) an applicant for a driver's license or a license
holder is capable of safely operating a motor vehicle; or
(2) an applicant for or holder of a license to carry a
concealed or unconcealed handgun under the authority of Subchapter
H, Chapter 411, Government Code, or an applicant for or holder of a
commission as a security officer under Chapter 1702, Occupations
Code, is capable of exercising sound judgment with respect to the
proper use and storage of a handgun.
SECTION 31. Sections 52.061 and 52.062, Labor Code, are
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 52.061. RESTRICTION ON PROHIBITING EMPLOYEE ACCESS TO
OR STORAGE OF FIREARM OR AMMUNITION. A public or private employer
may not prohibit an employee who holds a license to carry a
concealed or unconcealed handgun under Subchapter H, Chapter 411,
Government Code, who otherwise lawfully possesses a firearm, or who
lawfully possesses ammunition from transporting or storing a
firearm or ammunition the employee is authorized by law to possess
in a locked, privately owned motor vehicle in a parking lot, parking
garage, or other parking area the employer provides for employees.
Sec. 52.062. EXCEPTIONS. (a) Section 52.061 does not:
(1) authorize a person who holds a license to carry a
concealed or unconcealed handgun under Subchapter H, Chapter 411,
Government Code, who otherwise lawfully possesses a firearm, or who
lawfully possesses ammunition to possess a firearm or ammunition on
any property where the possession of a firearm or ammunition is
prohibited by state or federal law; or
(2) apply to:
(A) a vehicle owned or leased by a public or
private employer and used by an employee in the course and scope of
the employee's employment, unless the employee is required to
transport or store a firearm in the official discharge of the
employee's duties;
(B) a school district;
(C) an open-enrollment charter school, as
defined by Section 5.001, Education Code;
(D) a private school, as defined by Section
22.081, Education Code;
(E) property owned or controlled by a person,
other than the employer, that is subject to a valid, unexpired oil,
gas, or other mineral lease that contains a provision prohibiting
the possession of firearms on the property; or
(F) property owned or leased by a chemical
manufacturer or oil and gas refiner with an air authorization under
Chapter 382, Health and Safety Code, and on which the primary
business conducted is the manufacture, use, storage, or
transportation of hazardous, combustible, or explosive materials,
except in regard to an employee who holds a license to carry a
concealed or unconcealed handgun under Subchapter H, Chapter 411,
Government Code, and who stores a firearm or ammunition the
employee is authorized by law to possess in a locked, privately
owned motor vehicle in a parking lot, parking garage, or other
parking area the employer provides for employees that is outside of
a secured and restricted area:
(i) that contains the physical plant;
(ii) that is not open to the public; and
(iii) the ingress into which is constantly
monitored by security personnel.
(b) Section 52.061 does not prohibit an employer from
prohibiting an employee who holds a license to carry a concealed or
unconcealed handgun under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government
Code, or who otherwise lawfully possesses a firearm, from
possessing a firearm the employee is otherwise authorized by law to
possess on the premises of the employer's business. In this
subsection, "premises" has the meaning assigned by Section
46.035(f)(3), Penal Code.
SECTION 32. (a) Section 118.011(b), Local Government Code,
as effective until September 1, 2019, is amended to read as follows:
(b) The county clerk may set and collect the following fee
from any person:
(1) Returned Check (Sec. 118.0215) . . . . . . not
less than $15 or more than $30
(2) Records Management and Preservation Fee (Sec.
118.0216) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . not more than
$10
(3) Mental Health Background Check for License to
Carry a Concealed or Unconcealed Handgun [Weapon] (Sec. 118.0217)
. . . . . not more than $2
(b) This section takes effect September 1, 2015.
SECTION 33. (a) Section 118.011(b), Local Government Code,
as effective September 1, 2019, is amended to read as follows:
(b) The county clerk may set and collect the following fee
from any person:
(1) Returned Check (Sec. 118.0215) . . . . . . not
less than $15 or more than $30
(2) Records Management and Preservation Fee (Sec.
118.0216) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . not more
than $5
(3) Mental Health Background Check for License to
Carry a Concealed or Unconcealed Handgun [Weapon] (Sec. 118.0217)
. . . . . not more than $2
(b) This section takes effect September 1, 2019.
SECTION 34. Section 118.0217(a), Local Government Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(a) The fee for a "mental health background check for
license to carry a concealed or unconcealed handgun [weapon]" is
for a check, conducted by the county clerk at the request of the
Texas Department of Public Safety, of the county records involving
the mental condition of a person who applies for a license to carry
a concealed or unconcealed handgun under Subchapter H, Chapter 411,
Government Code. The fee, not to exceed $2, will be paid from the
application fee submitted to the Department of Public Safety
according to Section 411.174(a)(6), Government Code.
SECTION 35. Section 229.001(b), Local Government Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(b) Subsection (a) does not affect the authority a
municipality has under another law to:
(1) require residents or public employees to be armed
for personal or national defense, law enforcement, or another
lawful purpose;
(2) regulate the discharge of firearms or air guns
within the limits of the municipality, other than at a sport
shooting range;
(3) regulate the use of property, the location of a
business, or uses at a business under the municipality's fire code,
zoning ordinance, or land-use regulations as long as the code,
ordinance, or regulations are not used to circumvent the intent of
Subsection (a) or Subdivision (5) of this subsection;
(4) regulate the use of firearms or air guns in the
case of an insurrection, riot, or natural disaster if the
municipality finds the regulations necessary to protect public
health and safety;
(5) regulate the storage or transportation of
explosives to protect public health and safety, except that 25
pounds or less of black powder for each private residence and 50
pounds or less of black powder for each retail dealer are not
subject to regulation;
(6) regulate the carrying of a firearm or air gun by a
person other than a person licensed to carry a concealed or
unconcealed handgun under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government
Code, at a:
(A) public park;
(B) public meeting of a municipality, county, or
other governmental body;
(C) political rally, parade, or official
political meeting; or
(D) nonfirearms-related school, college, or
professional athletic event;
(7) regulate the hours of operation of a sport
shooting range, except that the hours of operation may not be more
limited than the least limited hours of operation of any other
business in the municipality other than a business permitted or
licensed to sell or serve alcoholic beverages for on-premises
consumption; or
(8) regulate the carrying of an air gun by a minor on:
(A) public property; or
(B) private property without consent of the
property owner.
SECTION 36. The heading to Section 1701.260, Occupations
Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 1701.260. TRAINING FOR HOLDERS OF LICENSE TO CARRY
CONCEALED OR UNCONCEALED HANDGUN; CERTIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR
APPOINTMENT AS SCHOOL MARSHAL.
SECTION 37. Sections 1701.260(a) and (i), Occupations Code,
are amended to read as follows:
(a) The commission shall establish and maintain a training
program open to any employee of a school district or
open-enrollment charter school who holds a license to carry a
concealed or unconcealed handgun issued under Subchapter H, Chapter
411, Government Code. The training may be conducted only by the
commission staff or a provider approved by the commission.
(i) The commission shall revoke a person's school marshal
license if the commission is notified by the Department of Public
Safety that the person's license to carry a concealed or
unconcealed handgun issued under Subchapter H, Chapter 411,
Government Code, has been suspended or revoked. A person whose
school marshal license is revoked may obtain recertification by:
(1) furnishing proof to the commission that the
person's [concealed handgun] license to carry a concealed or
unconcealed handgun has been reinstated; and
(2) completing the initial training under Subsection
(c) to the satisfaction of the commission staff, paying the fee for
the training, and demonstrating psychological fitness on the
psychological examination described in Subsection (d).
SECTION 38. Sections 62.082(d) and (e), Parks and Wildlife
Code, are amended to read as follows:
(d) Section 62.081 does not apply to:
(1) an employee of the Lower Colorado River Authority;
(2) a person authorized to hunt under Subsection (c);
(3) a peace officer as defined by Article 2.12, Code of
Criminal Procedure; or
(4) a person who:
(A) possesses a [concealed] handgun, regardless
of whether the handgun is carried in a concealed or unconcealed
manner, and a license issued under Subchapter H, Chapter 411,
Government Code, to carry a concealed or unconcealed handgun; or
(B) under circumstances in which the person would
be justified in the use of deadly force under Chapter 9, Penal Code,
shoots a handgun the person is licensed to carry under Subchapter H,
Chapter 411, Government Code.
(e) A state agency, including the department, the
Department of Public Safety, and the Lower Colorado River
Authority, may not adopt a rule that prohibits a person who
possesses a license issued under Subchapter H, Chapter 411,
Government Code, from entering or crossing the land of the Lower
Colorado River Authority while:
(1) possessing a [concealed] handgun, regardless of
whether the handgun is carried in a concealed or unconcealed
manner; or
(2) under circumstances in which the person would be
justified in the use of deadly force under Chapter 9, Penal Code,
shooting a handgun.
SECTION 39. Section 284.001(e), Parks and Wildlife Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(e) This section does not limit the ability of a license
holder to carry a concealed or unconcealed handgun under the
authority of Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code.
SECTION 40. Section 30.05(f), Penal Code, is amended to
read as follows:
(f) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that:
(1) the basis on which entry on the property or land or
in the building was forbidden is that entry with a handgun was
forbidden; and
(2) the person was carrying a [concealed] handgun,
regardless of whether the handgun was carried in a concealed or
unconcealed manner, and a license issued under Subchapter H,
Chapter 411, Government Code, to carry a concealed or unconcealed
handgun.
SECTION 41. Section 30.06(a), Penal Code, is amended to
read as follows:
(a) A license holder commits an offense if the license
holder:
(1) carries a concealed handgun under the authority of
Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, on property of another
without effective consent; and
(2) received notice that:
(A) entry on the property by a license holder
with a concealed handgun was forbidden; or
(B) remaining on the property with a concealed
handgun was forbidden and failed to depart.
SECTION 42. Chapter 30, Penal Code, is amended by adding
Section 30.07 to read as follows:
Sec. 30.07. TRESPASS BY HOLDER OF LICENSE TO CARRY
UNCONCEALED HANDGUN. (a) A license holder commits an offense if
the license holder:
(1) openly carries a handgun in an unconcealed manner
under the authority of Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code,
on property of another without effective consent; and
(2) received notice that:
(A) entry on the property by a license holder
openly carrying an unconcealed handgun was forbidden; or
(B) remaining on the property while openly
carrying an unconcealed handgun was forbidden and failed to depart.
(b) For purposes of this section, a person receives notice
if the owner of the property or someone with apparent authority to
act for the owner provides notice to the person by oral or written
communication.
(c) In this section:
(1) "Entry" has the meaning assigned by Section
30.05(b).
(2) "License holder" has the meaning assigned by
Section 46.035(f).
(3) "Written communication" means:
(A) a card or other document on which is written
language identical to the following: "Pursuant to Section 30.07,
Penal Code (trespass by holder of license to carry an unconcealed
handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411,
Government Code, may not enter this property with an unconcealed
handgun that is carried openly"; or
(B) a sign posted on the property that:
(i) includes the language described by
Paragraph (A) in both English and Spanish;
(ii) appears in contrasting colors with
block letters at least one inch in height; and
(iii) is displayed in a conspicuous manner
clearly visible to the public at each entrance to the property.
(d) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(e) It is an exception to the application of this section
that the property on which the license holder openly carries the
unconcealed handgun is owned or leased by a governmental entity and
is not a premises or other place on which the license holder is
prohibited from carrying the handgun under Section 46.03 or 46.035.
SECTION 43. Section 46.02(a-1), Penal Code, is amended to
read as follows:
(a-1) A person commits an offense if the person
intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on or about his or
her person a handgun in a motor vehicle or watercraft that is owned
by the person or under the person's control at any time in which:
(1) the handgun is in plain view, unless the handgun is
carried on the person in an unconcealed manner and the person is
licensed to carry a handgun under Subchapter H, Chapter 411,
Government Code; or
(2) the person is:
(A) engaged in criminal activity, other than a
Class C misdemeanor that is a violation of a law or ordinance
regulating traffic or boating;
(B) prohibited by law from possessing a firearm;
or
(C) a member of a criminal street gang, as
defined by Section 71.01.
SECTION 44. Section 46.03(f), Penal Code, is amended to
read as follows:
(f) It is not a defense to prosecution under this section
that the actor possessed a handgun, regardless of whether the
handgun was carried in a concealed or unconcealed manner, and was
licensed to carry a concealed or unconcealed handgun under
Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code.
SECTION 45. Sections 46.035(a), (b), (c), (d), and (i),
Penal Code, are amended to read as follows:
(a) A license holder commits an offense if the license
holder carries a handgun on or about the license holder's person
under the authority of Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code,
and intentionally displays the handgun in plain view of another
person in a public place, unless the license holder is carrying the
handgun in a shoulder or belt holster.
(b) A license holder commits an offense if the license
holder intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries a handgun
under the authority of Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code,
regardless of whether the handgun is concealed or carried in a
shoulder or belt holster, on or about the license holder's person:
(1) on the premises of a business that has a permit or
license issued under Chapter 25, 28, 32, 69, or 74, Alcoholic
Beverage Code, if the business derives 51 percent or more of its
income from the sale or service of alcoholic beverages for
on-premises consumption, as determined by the Texas Alcoholic
Beverage Commission under Section 104.06, Alcoholic Beverage Code;
(2) on the premises where a high school, collegiate,
or professional sporting event or interscholastic event is taking
place, unless the license holder is a participant in the event and a
handgun is used in the event;
(3) on the premises of a correctional facility;
(4) on the premises of a hospital licensed under
Chapter 241, Health and Safety Code, or on the premises of a nursing
home licensed under Chapter 242, Health and Safety Code, unless the
license holder has written authorization of the hospital or nursing
home administration, as appropriate;
(5) in an amusement park; or
(6) on the premises of a church, synagogue, or other
established place of religious worship.
(c) A license holder commits an offense if the license
holder intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries a handgun
under the authority of Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code,
regardless of whether the handgun is concealed or carried in a
shoulder or belt holster, at any meeting of a governmental entity.
(d) A license holder commits an offense if, while
intoxicated, the license holder carries a handgun under the
authority of Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, regardless
of whether the handgun is concealed or carried in a shoulder or belt
holster.
(i) Subsections (b)(4), (b)(5), (b)(6), and (c) do not apply
if the actor was not given effective notice under Section 30.06 or
30.07.
SECTION 46. Sections 46.15(a) and (b), Penal Code, are
amended to read as follows:
(a) Sections 46.02 and 46.03 do not apply to:
(1) peace officers or special investigators under
Article 2.122, Code of Criminal Procedure, and neither section
prohibits a peace officer or special investigator from carrying a
weapon in this state, including in an establishment in this state
serving the public, regardless of whether the peace officer or
special investigator is engaged in the actual discharge of the
officer's or investigator's duties while carrying the weapon;
(2) parole officers and neither section prohibits an
officer from carrying a weapon in this state if the officer is:
(A) engaged in the actual discharge of the
officer's duties while carrying the weapon; and
(B) in compliance with policies and procedures
adopted by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice regarding the
possession of a weapon by an officer while on duty;
(3) community supervision and corrections department
officers appointed or employed under Section 76.004, Government
Code, and neither section prohibits an officer from carrying a
weapon in this state if the officer is:
(A) engaged in the actual discharge of the
officer's duties while carrying the weapon; and
(B) authorized to carry a weapon under Section
76.0051, Government Code;
(4) an active judicial officer as defined by Section
411.201, Government Code, who is licensed to carry a concealed or
unconcealed handgun under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government
Code;
(5) an honorably retired peace officer, qualified
retired law enforcement officer, federal criminal investigator, or
former reserve law enforcement officer who holds a certificate of
proficiency issued under Section 1701.357, Occupations Code, and is
carrying a photo identification that is issued by a federal, state,
or local law enforcement agency, as applicable, and that verifies
that the officer is:
(A) an honorably retired peace officer;
(B) a qualified retired law enforcement officer;
(C) a federal criminal investigator; or
(D) a former reserve law enforcement officer who
has served in that capacity not less than a total of 15 years with
one or more state or local law enforcement agencies;
(6) a district attorney, criminal district attorney,
county attorney, or municipal attorney who is licensed to carry a
concealed or unconcealed handgun under Subchapter H, Chapter 411,
Government Code;
(7) an assistant district attorney, assistant
criminal district attorney, or assistant county attorney who is
licensed to carry a concealed or unconcealed handgun under
Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code;
(8) a bailiff designated by an active judicial officer
as defined by Section 411.201, Government Code, who is:
(A) licensed to carry a concealed or unconcealed
handgun under Chapter 411, Government Code; and
(B) engaged in escorting the judicial officer; or
(9) a juvenile probation officer who is authorized to
carry a firearm under Section 142.006, Human Resources Code.
(b) Section 46.02 does not apply to a person who:
(1) is in the actual discharge of official duties as a
member of the armed forces or state military forces as defined by
Section 437.001, Government Code, or as a guard employed by a penal
institution;
(2) is traveling;
(3) is engaging in lawful hunting, fishing, or other
sporting activity on the immediate premises where the activity is
conducted, or is en route between the premises and the actor's
residence, motor vehicle, or watercraft, if the weapon is a type
commonly used in the activity;
(4) holds a security officer commission issued by the
Texas Private Security Board, if the person is engaged in the
performance of the person's duties as an officer commissioned under
Chapter 1702, Occupations Code, or is traveling to or from the
person's place of assignment and is wearing the officer's uniform
and carrying the officer's weapon in plain view;
(5) acts as a personal protection officer and carries
the person's security officer commission and personal protection
officer authorization, if the person:
(A) is engaged in the performance of the person's
duties as a personal protection officer under Chapter 1702,
Occupations Code, or is traveling to or from the person's place of
assignment; and
(B) is either:
(i) wearing the uniform of a security
officer, including any uniform or apparel described by Section
1702.323(d), Occupations Code, and carrying the officer's weapon in
plain view; or
(ii) not wearing the uniform of a security
officer and carrying the officer's weapon in a concealed manner;
(6) is carrying a [concealed] handgun, regardless of
whether the handgun is carried in a concealed or unconcealed
manner, and a valid license issued under Subchapter H, Chapter 411,
Government Code, to carry a concealed or unconcealed handgun;
(7) holds an alcoholic beverage permit or license or
is an employee of a holder of an alcoholic beverage permit or
license if the person is supervising the operation of the permitted
or licensed premises; or
(8) is a student in a law enforcement class engaging in
an activity required as part of the class, if the weapon is a type
commonly used in the activity and the person is:
(A) on the immediate premises where the activity
is conducted; or
(B) en route between those premises and the
person's residence and is carrying the weapon unloaded.
SECTION 47. The change in law made by this Act relating to
the authority of a license holder to carry an unconcealed handgun
applies to the carrying of a handgun on or after the effective date
of this Act by any person who:
(1) holds a license issued under Subchapter H, Chapter
411, Government Code, regardless of whether the person's license
was issued before, on, or after the effective date of this Act; or
(2) applies for the issuance of a license under that
subchapter, regardless of whether the person applied for the
license before, on, or after the effective date of this Act.
SECTION 48. The changes in law made by this Act to Sections
30.05, 30.06, 46.02, 46.03, 46.035, and 46.15, Penal Code, apply
only to an offense committed on or after the effective date of this
Act. An offense committed before the effective date of this Act is
governed by the law in effect when the offense was committed, and
the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. For
purposes of this section, an offense was committed before the
effective date of this Act if any element of the offense occurred
before that date.
SECTION 49. Except as otherwise provided by this Act, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2015.