TCHA: Texas Legislation

Status: Filed 11/08/2010. 2/9/2011 H Referred to Criminal Jurisprudence. H Scheduled for public hearing on 4/12/2011. 4/18/2011 H Reported favorably w/o amendment(s). 4/19/2011 H Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator. 4/19/2011 H Committee report distributed. 4/19/2011 H Committee report sent to Calendars. 5/10/2011 H Placed on General State Calendar. 5/12/2011 H Passed to engrossment. 5/13/2011 H Passed. 5/16/2011 S Received from the House. 5/16/2011 S Referred to Criminal Justice. S Scheduled for public hearing on 5/20/2011. 5/21/2011 S Recommended for local & uncontested calendar. 5/21/2011 S Committee report printed and distributed. 5/25/2011 S Placed on local & uncontested calendar. 5/25/2011 S Passed. 5/25/2011 H Senate passage reported. 5/27/2011 H Reported enrolled. 5/27/2011 H Signed in the House. 5/27/2011 S Signed in the Senate. 6/17/2011 E Signed by the Governor, Effective on 9/1/11.

HB 48, by Pena
Categories: Miscellaneous.

Relating to authorizing the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas to investigate the feasibility of and cooperate in the establishment of southbound checkpoints along the international border of this state.

Lets DPS, in conjunction with federal agencies, set up southbound checkpoints stopping cars about to enter Mexico, to search for firearms and cash. Companion to SB 288.

Status: Filed 11/8/2010. 2/9/2011 H Referred to Homeland Security & Public Safety. H Scheduled for public hearing on 4/5/2011. 4/18/2011 H Reported favorably w/o amendment(s). 4/27/2011 H Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator. 4/27/2011 H Committee report distributed. 4/28/2011 H Committee report sent to Calendars.

Identical to SB 288, Similar to SB 294.

HB 77, by Flynn
Categories: Possession.

Relating to the carrying of certain weapons in a watercraft.

Expands "car carry" to "boat carry."

Status: Filed 11/08/2010. 2/9/2011 H Referred to Criminal Jurisprudence. H Scheduled for public hearing on 4/12/2011.

HB 86, by Simpson
Categories: Concealed Carry.

Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns on the campuses of institutions of higher education.

Allows concealed carry on public and private college campuses. Prohibits colleges from making rules prohibiting concealed carry. Allows colleges to set storage policies for dorms. Indemnifies colleges for acts by CHLs. Permits concealed carry at collegiate sporting events unless they are posted with 30.06.

Status: Filed 11/08/2010. 2/9/2011 H Referred to Homeland Security & Public Safety. H Scheduled for public hearing on 3/16/2011.

Similar to SB 354.

HB 145, by Laubenberg | Landtroop | Cain
Categories: Sale.

Relating to exempting the intrastate manufacture of a firearm, a firearm accessory, or ammunition from federal regulation.

Attempts to make firearms, parts, and ammunition manufactured completely in Texas exempt from Federal regulation. Identical to HB 298.

Status: Filed 11/08/2010. 2/11/2011 H Referred to State Sovereignty, Select. H Scheduled for public hearing on 3/24/2011.

Duplicate of HB 298.

HB 181, by Miller, Sid.
Categories: Sale.

Relating to an exemption from the sales tax on handguns, rifles, shotguns, and ammunition.

Adds firearms and ammunition to the list of items in the before-school sales tax holiday.

Status: Filed 11/8/2010. 2/11/2011 H Referred to Ways & Means.

HB 190, by Walle.
Categories: Miscellaneous.

Relating to the adoption of noise regulations by certain counties; providing a criminal penalty.

Cities can regulate noise produced by loudspeakers or sound amplifying equipment. As written would not impinge on shooting ranges.

Status: Filed 11/08/2010. 2/11/2011 H Referred to County Affairs. H Scheduled for public hearing on 3/24/2011.

HB 242, by Craddick
Categories: Law Enforcement.

~~Relating to the authority of certain retired peace officers to carry certain firearms.~~ Relating to the enforcement of public safety, including the privileges and duties of certain types of law enforcement officers.

~~Administrative changes affecting which officers qualify for retired and off-duty carry.~~ This bill was radically amended to prohibit texting while driving. It is no longer firearm-related legislation.

Status: Filed 11/10/2010. 2/15/2011 H Referred to Homeland Security & Public Safety. H Scheduled for public hearing on 3/22/2011. 3/29/2011 H Reported favorably as substituted. 4/4/2011 H Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator. 4/5/2011 H Committee report sent to Calendars. 4/8/2011 H Corrected com rept filed w/ Comte. 4/8/2011 H Corrected comm. report distributed. 4/11/2011 H Corrected committee report sent to Calendars. 5/7/2011 H Placed on General State Calendar. 5/11/2011 H Passed to engrossment. 5/12/2011 H Passed. 5/13/2011 S Received from the House. 5/13/2011 S Referred to Criminal Justice. S Scheduled for public hearing on 5/20/2011. 5/21/2011 S Recommended for local & uncontested calendar. 5/21/2011 S Committee report printed and distributed. 5/25/2011 S Placed on local & uncontested calendar. 5/25/2011 S Placed on intent calendar. 5/25/2011 S Passed. 5/26/2011 H Senate passage as amended reported. 5/26/2011 H Senate Amendments distributed. 5/27/2011 H House appoints conferees. 5/28/2011 S Senate appoints conferees. 5/28/2011 S Conference committee report filed. 5/28/2011 H Conf. Comm. Report distributed. 5/29/2011 S Senate adopts conference committee report. 5/29/2011 H House adopts conference committee report. 5/30/2011 H Reported enrolled. 5/30/2011 H Signed in the House. 5/30/2011 S Signed in the Senate. 5/30/2011 E Sent to the Governor. 6/17/2011 E Vetoed by the Governor.

HB 298, by Berman
Categories: Sale.

Relating to exempting the intrastate manufacture of a firearm, a firearm accessory, or ammunition from federal regulation.

Attempts to make firearms, parts, and ammunition manufactured completely in Texas exempt from Federal regulation. Identical to HB 145.

Status: Filed 11/16/2010. 2/15/2011 H Referred to State Sovereignty, Select. H Scheduled for public hearing on 3/24/2011.

Duplicate of HB 145.

HB 356, by Burnam
Categories: Concealed Carry.

Relating to the recognition of a nonresident license to carry a concealed handgun.

Prohibits a person who has established a residence in Texas from carrying on an out-of-state CHL. Update: The Utah legislature is on track to "fix" this themselves, so there's no longer an excuse for this restrictive bill.

Status: Filed 11/29/2010. 2/15/2011 H Referred to Homeland Security & Public Safety. H Scheduled for public hearing on 3/22/2011.

Comment 1 Comment 2

Relating to an employee's transportation and storage of certain firearms or ammunition while on certain property owned or controlled by the employee's employer.

Keeps an employer from prohibiting a CHL or other person who lawfully possess a firearm from securing the firearm in the employee's own vehicle in a company parking facility. Does not apply to schools and a few other areas. Exempts the employer from liability for the firearm. Does not authorize carry into the premises of the workplace. Identical to SB 321.

Status: Filed 1/18/2011. 2/21/2011 H Referred to Business & Industry. H Scheduled for public hearing on 2/28/2011. 3/14/2011 H Reported favorably as substituted. 3/18/2011 H Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator. 3/18/2011 H Committee report distributed. 3/21/2011 H Committee report sent to Calendars. 5/2/2011 H Placed on General State Calendar. 5/3/2011 H Laid on the table subject to call.

Identical to SB 321, 6/17/2011 E Signed by the Governor..

Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns by certain persons attending a school board meeting.

Establishes a defense to prosecution for a school board member or school superintendant, with a CHL, who carries on school premises at a school board meeting. First, this bill is unnecessary, as any school district can write a policy allowing concealed carry however they want to establish it. Second, a defense means you can still be arrested and have to pay a lawyer to raise the defense. Third, it's a very narrow law. Identical to SB 418.

Status: Filed 1/18/2011.

Identical to SB 418.

Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns on certain premises of or locations associated with schools or institutions of higher education.

Allows CHLs to concealed carry on college campuses. Lets private schools ban carry in premises. Allows for safe storage regulations in dorms. Makes schools and administrators immune from liability for the firearms.

Status: Filed 1/20/2011. 2/22/2011 H Referred to Homeland Security & Public Safety. H Scheduled for public hearing on 3/16/2011. 3/16/2011 H Reported favorably w/o amendment(s). 3/31/2011 H Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator. 3/31/2011 H Committee report distributed. 4/1/2011 H Committee report sent to Calendars.

HB 857, by Hughes
Categories: Concealed carry.

Relating to exempting certain judicial officers from certain requirements for obtaining or renewing a concealed handgun license and to the authority of certain judicial officers to carry certain weapons.

Minor changes in procedure for judges' CHLs.

Status: Filed 1/25/2011. 2/24/2011 H Referred to Homeland Security & Public Safety. H Scheduled for public hearing on 4/12/2011. 4/18/2011 H Reported favorably w/o amendment(s). 4/26/2011 H Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator. 4/28/2011 H Committee report distributed. 4/28/2011 H Committee report sent to Calendars.

Identical to SB 285.

HB 954, by Lozano
Categories: Possession.

Relating to an employee's transportation and storage of certain firearms or ammunition while on certain property owned or controlled by the employee's employer.

Keeps an employer from prohibiting a CHL or other person who lawfully possess a firearm from securing the firearm in the employee's own vehicle in a company parking facility. No exception for schools. The employer can prohibit possession in a fenced parking lot, but only by providing an alternative. Exempts the employer from liability for the firearm. Does not authorize carry into the premises of the workplace.

Status: Filed 1/27/2011. 2/28/2011 H Referred to Homeland Security & Public Safety.

HB 1080, by Gallego
Categories: Hunting.

Relating to an exemption for active duty personnel and certain veterans from the requirement to complete a hunter education program.

Exempts U.S. Military honorably discharged veterans and active service members from ~~the requirement to complete Hunter Education. Hunter Education is a lot more about ecology and hunting rules and ethics than shooting. Military service doesn't cover the information.~~ After amendment the bill exempts veterans and service members from the shooting requirement to Hunter Education. There is no shooting requirement for Hunter Ed.

Status: Filed 1/00/2011. 2/28/2011 H Referred to Culture, Recreation & Tourism. H Scheduled for public hearing on 3/16/2011. 4/13/2011 H Reported favorably as substituted. 4/21/2011 H Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator. 4/21/2011 H Committee report distributed. 4/26/2011 H Comm. report sent to Local & Consent Calendar. 5/5/2011 H Placed on Local, Consent, and Res. Calendar. 5/5/2011 H Passed to engrossment. 5/5/2011 H Passed. 5/6/2011 S Received from the House. 5/9/2011 S Referred to Agriculture & Rural Affairs. S Scheduled for public hearing on 5/20/2011. 5/20/2011 S Recommended for local & uncontested calendar. 5/20/2011 S Committee report printed and distributed. 5/25/2011 S Placed on local & uncontested calendar. 5/25/2011 S Passed. 5/25/2011 H Senate passage reported. 5/27/2011 H Reported enrolled. 5/28/2011 H Signed in the House. 6/17/2011 E Signed by the Governor, Effective immediately.

HB 1167, by Taylor, Van Coauthor: Flynn
Categories: Concealed carry.

Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns on certain premises of or locations associated with schools or public junior colleges and public technical institutes.

Allows Texas CHLs to concealed carry on junior college and technical institute campuses. Makes schools and administrators immune from liability for the firearms. Does not allow carry with reciprocal licenses.

Status: Filed 2/07/2011. 3/1/2011 H Referred to Homeland Security & Public Safety. H Scheduled for public hearing on 3/16/2011. 4/27/2011 H Reported favorably w/o amendment(s). 5/9/2011 H Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator. 5/10/2011 H Committee report distributed. 5/10/2011 H Committee report sent to Calendars.

HB 1329, by Raymond
Categories: Concealed carry.

Relating to a waiver of concealed handgun license fees for certain veterans of the military.

Under current law a U.S. military veteran who completed service within the past year pays no state fee for a CHL, and veterans who completed service more than a year ago pay half price. This bill waives the state fee for all veterans.

Status: Filed 2/14/2011. 3/1/2011 H Referred to Homeland Security & Public Safety. H Scheduled for public hearing on 3/24/2011.

HB 1356, by Gooden
Categories: Concealed carry.

Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns on certain premises of or locations associated with schools or institutions of higher education.

Allows concealed carry on college campuses only for faculty, staff, and employees who have Texas CHLs.

Status: Filed 2/15/2011. 3/1/2011 H Referred to Homeland Security & Public Safety. H Scheduled for public hearing on 3/16/2011. 4/27/2011 H Reported favorably as substituted. 5/9/2011 H Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator. 5/10/2011 H Committee report distributed. 5/10/2011 H Committee report sent to Calendars.

HB 1463, by Kleinschmidt
Categories: Concealed carry.

Relating to the application of certain concealed handgun license laws to statewide elected officials and certain current and former members of the legislature.

Grants statewide elected officials and members of the legislature special privileges to carry in bars, and school and professional sporting events.

Status: Filed 2/17/2011.

Similar to SB 905.

HB 1501, by White
Categories: Hunting.

Relating to a landowner's exemption from the requirement to have a hunting license for hunting on the landowner's property.

A landowner may hunt on the landowner's property without having acquired a hunting license

Status: Filed 2/18/2011. 3/2/2011 H Referred to Culture, Recreation & Tourism. H Scheduled for public hearing on 4/20/2011.

HB 1530, by Miller, Sid
Categories: Concealed carry.

Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns by county commissioners attending a meeting of the commissioners court.

Establishes a defense to prosecution under PC 46.035(c) [carrying at a government meeting] for county commissioners, with a CHL, who carry at a commissioners' meeting. First, this bill is unnecessary, since PC 46.035(i) allows CHL carry at government meetings that aren't posted with PC 30.06. ~~Second, it doesn't do anything about PC 46.03(a)(3), which prohibits a CHL or non-CHL from carrying any firearm into a courtroom without permission.~~ Third, any county judge can write a policy allowing carry in the county courtroom however he or she wants to establish it. ~~Fourth, a defense means they can still be arrested and have to pay a lawyer to raise the defense.~~ Fifth, it's a very narrow law. As amended the bill allows commissioners to carry where the court has an order or rule allowing it.

Status: Filed 2/18/2011. 3/2/2011 H Referred to Homeland Security & Public Safety. H Scheduled for public hearing on 4/19/2011. 4/27/2011 H Reported favorably as substituted. 5/2/2011 H Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator. 5/2/2011 H Committee report distributed. 5/3/2011 H Committee report sent to Calendars.

HB 1595, by Isaac
Categories: Shooting ranges.

Relating to regulation and enforcement of laws affecting sport shooting ranges.

Current Texas law protects firearms or ammunition manufacturers, trade associations, and sellers against frivolous lawsuits. This bill adds shooting ranges and their owners.

Status: Filed 2/21/2011. 3/10/2011 H Referred to Culture, Recreation & Tourism. H Scheduled for public hearing on 3/23/2011. 4/7/2011 H Reported favorably w/o amendment(s). 4/11/2011 H Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator. 4/11/2011 H Committee report distributed. 4/12/2011 H Committee report sent to Calendars.

Similar to SB 766, 6/17/2011 E Signed by the Governor..

HB 1701, by Legler
Categories: Concealed carry.

Relating to an exemption from the physical demonstration of proficiency portion of the proficiency examination to obtain or renew a concealed handgun license for certain persons.

Exempts from the shooting practical persons who have had military handgun training in the last five years. Who's going to jump through hoops to get out of the fun part of the class?

Status: Filed 2/23/2011. 3/3/2011 H Referred to Homeland Security & Public Safety.

HB 2023, by McClendon
Categories: Shooting range.

Relating to county regulation of sound levels; providing a criminal penalty.

Noise regulation for San Antonio. No shooting range exemption.

Status: Filed 3/01/2011. 3/7/2011 H Referred to County Affairs. H Scheduled for public hearing on 3/24/2011.

HB 2127, by Garen
Categories: Miscellaneous.

Relating to the municipal regulation of the discharge of firearms and certain other weapons in certain counties.

Restricts the ability of certain cities to prohibit shooting.

Status: Filed 3/03/2011. 3/8/2011 H Referred to Homeland Security & Public Safety. H Scheduled for public hearing on 3/29/2011. 4/11/2011 H Reported favorably as substituted. 4/18/2011 H Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator. 4/19/2011 H Committee report distributed. 4/19/2011 H Committee report sent to Calendars. 5/4/2011 H Placed on General State Calendar. 5/4/2011 H Passed to engrossment. 5/5/2011 H Passed. 5/6/2011 S Received from the House. 5/9/2011 S Referred to Agriculture & Rural Affairs. S Scheduled for public hearing on 5/16/2011. 5/17/2011 S Recommended for local & uncontested calendar. 5/17/2011 S Committee report printed and distributed. 5/24/2011 S Placed on local & uncontested calendar. 5/24/2011 S Passed. 5/25/2011 H Reported enrolled. 5/25/2011 H Signed in the House. 6/17/2011 E Signed by the Governor, Effective on 9/1/11.

HB 2178, by Driver
Categories: Concealed carry.

Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns on the campuses of institutions of higher education.

Removes the prohibition against carrying firearms on the premises of a school or on grounds where a school activity is occurring for CHLs carrying a concealed handgun. Allows concealed carry at collegiate sporting events unless posted in accordance with 30.06.

Status: Filed 3/03/2011. 3/8/2011 H Referred to Homeland Security & Public Safety. 4/20/2011 H Posting rule suspended. 4/21/2011 H Left pending in subcommittee. 4/27/2011 H Reported favorably as substituted. 5/3/2011 H Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator. 5/3/2011 H Committee report distributed. 5/4/2011 H Committee report sent to Calendars. 5/6/2011 H Corrected com rept filed w/ Comte Coordinator. 5/6/2011 H Corrected comm. report distributed. 5/6/2011 H Corrected committee report sent to Calendars. 5/6/2011 H Corrected committee report sent to Calendars.

HB 2560, by Sheffield
Categories: Concealed carry.

Relating to transporting a foster child in a vehicle where a handgun is in the possession of a person licensed to carry a concealed handgun.

Armed foster parents with CHLs can carry their foster children in their cars.

Status: Filed 3/08/2011. 3/15/2011 H Referred to Human Services. 3/16/2011 H Referred to Homeland Security & Public Safety. H Scheduled for public hearing on 3/29/2011. 4/5/2011 H Reported favorably as substituted. 4/11/2011 H Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator. 4/11/2011 H Committee report distributed. 4/12/2011 H Committee report sent to Calendars. 5/11/2011 H Placed on General State Calendar. 5/12/2011 H Passed to engrossment. 5/13/2011 H Passed. 5/16/2011 S Received from the House. 5/17/2011 S Referred to Criminal Justice. S Scheduled for public hearing on 5/20/2011. 5/21/2011 S Recommended for local & uncontested calendar. 5/21/2011 S Committee report printed and distributed. 5/23/2011 S Placed on intent calendar. 5/25/2011 S Placed on local & uncontested calendar. 5/23/2011 S Passed. 5/23/2011 H Senate passage as amended reported. 5/24/2011 H Senate Amendments distributed. 5/25/2011 H House appoints conferees. 5/26/2011 S Senate appoints conferees. 5/27/2011 S Conference committee report filed. 5/27/2011 H Conf. Comm. Report distributed. 5/28/2011 S Senate adopts conference committee report. 5/28/2011 H Senate adopts conf. comm. report-reported. 5/29/2011 H Reported enrolled. 5/30/2011 H Signed in the House. 5/30/2011 S Signed in the Senate. 5/30/2011 E Sent to the Governor. 6/17/2011 E Signed by the Governor, Effective immediately.

HB 2613, by Flynn
Categories: Concealed carry.

Relating to the establishment of a procedure under which a person may maintain a license to carry a concealed handgun.

~~Doubles the state CHL fee and raises the renewal fee "at the discretion of" DPS. Requires renewal application 45 days after receiving notification.~~ As amended the bill eliminates the renewal class requirement. The renewal fee would be at the discretion of DPS.

Status: Filed 3/09/2011. 3/15/2011 H Referred to Homeland Security & Public Safety. H Scheduled for public hearing on 4/19/2011. 4/27/2011 H Reported favorably as substituted. 5/6/2011 H Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator. 5/7/2011 H Committee report distributed. 5/7/2011 H Committee report sent to Calendars.

HB 2687, by Lucio III
Categories: Shooting ranges.

Relating to county regulation of sound levels; providing a criminal penalty.

Allows counties to regulate noise in the unincorporated county. No firing range exception.

Status: Filed 3/09/2011. 3/16/2011 H Referred to County Affairs. H Scheduled for public hearing on 3/24/2011.

HB 2756, by Lavender
Categories: Concealed carry.

Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry the handgun.

Removes the requirement that a CHL conceal the handgun.

Status: Filed 3/09/2011. 3/16/2011 H Referred to Homeland Security & Public Safety. 4/15/2011 H Subcommittee members named. 4/27/2011 H Reported favorably w/o amendment(s). 5/4/2011 H Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator. 5/4/2011 H Committee report distributed. 5/5/2011 H Committee report sent to Calendars. 5/6/2011 H Corrected com rept filed w/ Comte Coordinator. 5/6/2011 H Corrected comm. report distributed. 5/6/2011 H Corrected committee report sent to Calendars.

HB 2782, by Callegari
Categories: Sale.

Relating to exemptions from the sales tax for certain firearms, hunting equipment, ammunition, and firearm or hunting accessories for a limited period.

On the second weekend in October, exempts from the sales tax firearms, ammo, archery equipment, and hunting gear.

Status: Filed 3/09/2011.

Identical to SB 1411.

HB 2795, by Larson
Categories: Possession.

Relating to prohibiting certain weapons on the premises of a local juvenile probation department office; providing a penalty.

Prohibits firearms on the premises of juvenile probation department offices. No exemption for probation officers.

Status: Filed 3/09/2011. 3/16/2011 H Referred to Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence.

HB 2807, by Burnam
Categories: Possession.

Relating to creating an offense for the unlawful possession or transfer of a semiautomatic assault weapon.

Prohibits possession of "semiautomatic assault weapons" by persons under 21. The definition includes both rifles and handguns with certain characteristics.

Status: Filed 3/09/2011. 3/16/2011 H Referred to Criminal Jurisprudence. H Scheduled for public hearing on 4/26/2011.

HB 2890, by Simpson
Categories: Concealed carry.

Relating to an employee's transportation and storage of certain firearms or ammunition while on certain property owned or controlled by the employee's employer.

Prohibits state agencies from keeping state employees with CHLs from securing handguns in their cars on state parking lots. Includes university systems.

Status: Filed 3/10/2011. 3/17/2011 H Referred to State Affairs.

HB 3242, by Woolley
Categories: Possession.

Relating to procedures for the disposition of certain weapons seized by a law enforcement agency.

Spells out the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies that seize weapons from people, and the disposition of the weapons.

Status: Filed 3/10/2011. 3/18/2011 H Referred to Homeland Security & Public Safety.

HB 3619, by Miller, Sid
Categories: Concealed carry.

Relating to the application of certain concealed handgun license laws to certain statewide elected officials and members of the legislature.

Under current law judges can carry in places most CHLs can't. This bill extends the same priviledges to statewide elected officials and members of the Legislature.

Status: Filed 3/11/2011. 3/23/2011 H Referred to Homeland Security & Public Safety. H Scheduled for public hearing on 3/29/2011. 3/29/2011 H Reported favorably as substituted. 4/4/2011 H Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator. 4/4/2011 H Committee report distributed. 4/5/2011 H Committee report sent to Calendars.

Joint Resolutions

Senate Bills

SB 275, by Uresti
Categories: Hunting.

Relating to certain exceptions to the prohibition on hunting from a public road or right-of-way.

Allows the capture, trapping, or hunting of a reptile, amphibian, or insect along a road.

Status: Filed 12/17/2010. 1/31/2011 S Referred to Agriculture & Rural Affairs.

SB 285, by Harris
Categories: Concealed Carry.

Minor changes in procedure for judges' CHLs.

Status: Filed 12/21/2010. 1/31/2011 S Referred to Jurisprudence. S Scheduled for public hearing on 3/22/2011. 3/23/2011 S Recommended for local & uncontested calendar. 3/23/2011 S Committee report printed and distributed. 3/24/2011 S Corrected comm. report printed & distributed. 4/6/2011 S Placed on intent calendar. 4/7/2011 S Reported engrossed. 4/11/2011 H Received from the Senate. 4/14/2011 H Referred to Homeland Security & Public Safety. 4/27/2011 H Reported favorably w/o amendment(s). 5/4/2011 H Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator. 5/4/2011 H Committee report distributed. 5/5/2011 H Committee report sent to Calendars.

Identical to HB 857.

SB 288, by Lucio
Categories: Miscellaneous.

Lets DPS, in conjunction with federal agencies, set up southbound checkpoints stopping cars about to enter Mexico, to search for firearms and cash. Companion to HB 48.

Status: Filed 12/21/2010. 1/31/2011 S Referred to Transportation & Homeland Sec. S Scheduled for public hearing on 3/30/2011. 4/29/2011 S Reported favorably as substituted. 4/29/2011 S Committee report printed and distributed. 5/3/2011 S Placed on intent calendar. 5/4/2011 S Reported engrossed. 5/4/2011 H Received from the Senate. 5/4/2011 H Referred to Homeland Security & Public Safety. 5/18/2011 H Reported favorably w/o amendment(s). 5/20/2011 H Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator. 5/20/2011 H Committee report distributed. 5/21/2011 H Committee report sent to Calendars.

Identical to HB 48.

SB 294, by Hinojosa
Categories: Miscellaneous.

Relating to authorizing the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to investigate the feasibility of and cooperate in the establishment of southbound checkpoints along the international border of this state.

Lets DPS, in conjunction with federal agencies, set up southbound checkpoints stopping cars about to enter Mexico, to search for firearms and cash.

Status: Filed 12/22/2010. 1/31/2011 S Referred to Transportation & Homeland Sec. S Scheduled for public hearing on 3/30/2011.

Similar to HB 48.

Relating to an employee's transportation and storage of certain firearms or ammunition while on certain property owned or controlled by the employee's employer.

Keeps an employer from prohibiting a CHL or other person who lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition from securing the firearm in the employee's own locked vehicle in a company parking facility. Does not apply to schools and a few other areas. Exempts the employer from liability for the firearm. Does not authorize carry into the premises of the workplace. Identical to HB 681.

Status: Filed 01/07/2011. 2/2/2011 S Referred to Criminal Justice. S Scheduled for public hearing on 3/1/2001. 3/7/2011 S Reported favorably as substituted. 3/7/2011 S Committee report printed and distributed. 3/9/2011 S Placed on intent calendar. 3/15/2011 S Reported engrossed. 3/16/2011 H Received from the Senate. 4/4/2011 H Referred to Business & Industry. 4/6/2011 H Reported favorably as substituted. 4/11/2011 H Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator. 4/11/2011 H Committee report distributed. 4/12/2011 H Committee report sent to Calendars. 5/3/2011 H Passed to 3rd reading as amended. 5/4/2011 H Passed as amended. 5/4/2011 S House passage as amended reported. 5/17/2011 S Senate appoints conferees. 5/19/2011 H House appoints conferees. 5/23/2011 S Conference committee report filed. 5/24/2011 H Conf. Comm. Report distributed. 5/26/2011 H House adopts conference committee report. 5/27/2011 S Senate adopts conference committee report. 5/27/2011 S Reported enrolled. 5/29/2011 H Signed in the House. 5/30/2011 E Sent to the Governor. 6/17/2011 E Signed by the Governor, Effective on 9/1/11.

Identical to HB 681.

SB 337, by Gallegos
Categories: Ranges.

Relating to the authority of certain counties to enact noise regulations; providing a criminal penalty.

Allows Houston to regulate noise in the unincorporated county. No firing range exception.

Status: Filed 01/12/2011. 2/2/2011 S Referred to Intergovernmental Relations.

Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns on the campuses of institutions of higher education.

As amended and attached to SB 1581: Allows CHLs to concealed carry on college campuses and in college passenger vehicles. ~~Allows CHLs to carry at collegiate sporting events not posted with 30.06. Lets private schools ban carry in premises.~~ Allows for safe storage regulations in on-campus dorms. Makes schools and administrators immune from liability for the firearms. ~~Delays implementation of the changes until September 1, 2012.~~ Prohibits carrying on the premises of a hospital maintained by a college. Prohibits carry on the premises of a preschool, elementary school, or secondary school located on campus with 30.06 warning. An insurance company doing business in Texas may not increase liability insurance premiums solely because license holders are permitted to carry. Changes will be implemented on the effective date of the act, September 1, 2011.

Status: Filed 01/13/2011. 2/2/2011 S Referred to Criminal Justice. S Scheduled for public hearing on 3/22/2011. S Scheduled for public hearing on 3/31/2011. 4/5/2011 S Reported favorably as substituted. 4/5/2011 S Committee report printed and distributed. 4/6/2011 S Placed on intent calendar. 5/9/2011 Added as amendment to SB 1581 and passed by the Senate. 5/10/2011 SB 1581 H Received from the Senate. 5/11/2011 H Referred to Appropriations. H Scheduled for formal meeting on 5/13/2011. 5/13/2011 H Reported favorably as substituted. 5/16/2011 H Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator. 5/16/2011 H Committee report distributed. 5/16/2011 H Committee report sent to Calendars. 5/18/2011 H Placed on Major State Calendar. 5/18/2011 H Postponed. 5/19/2011 H Postponed. 5/19/2011 H Point of order sustained, removing campus carry from SB 1581.

Similar to HB 86.

SB 418, by Williams
Categories: Concealed carry.

Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns by certain persons attending a school board meeting.

Status: Filed 01/26/2011. 02/02/2011 S Referred to Criminal Justice.

Identical to HB 698.

SB 427, by Huffman
Categories: Concealed carry.

Relating to exempting United States attorneys and assistant United States attorneys from certain requirements for obtaining or renewing a concealed handgun license.

Waives license fees for U.S. attorneys and assistant U.S. attorneys.

Status: Filed 01/27/2011. 2/2/2011 S Referred to Criminal Justice.

SB 766, by Estes
Categories: Shooting ranges.

Relating to regulation and enforcement of laws affecting sport shooting ranges.

Current Texas law protects firearms or ammunition manufacturers, trade associations, and sellers against frivolous lawsuits. This bill adds shooting ranges and their owners.

Status: Filed 2/17/2011. 2/23/2011 S Referred to Agriculture & Rural Affairs. S Scheduled for public hearing on 3/7/2011. 3/17/2011 S Reported favorably as substituted. 3/17/2011 S Committee report printed and distributed. 3/17/2011 S Committee report printed and distributed. 3/22/2011 S Placed on intent calendar. 3/24/2011 S Reported engrossed. 3/28/2011 S Reported engrossed. 3/29/2011 H Received from the Senate. 4/11/2011 H Referred to Culture, Recreation & Tourism. 4/18/2011 H Posting rule suspended. 4/18/2011 H Reported favorably w/o amendment(s). 4/19/2011 H Committee report sent to Calendars. 4/20/2011 H Committee report distributed. 4/21/2011 H Committee report sent to Calendars. 5/24/2011 H Placed on General State Calendar. 5/24/2011 H Passed to 3rd reading. 5/25/2011 H Passed. 5/25/2011 S House passage reported. 5/25/2011 S Reported enrolled. 5/26/2011 S Signed in the Senate. 5/26/2011 H Signed in the House. 06/17/2011 E Signed by the Governor, Effective on 9/1/11.

Similar to HB 1595.

SB 862, by Rodriguez
Categories: Ranges.

Relating to the prosecution of the offense of disorderly conduct involving unreasonable noise.

Adds excessive noise rules restrictions to Penal Code 42.01, Disorderly Conduct. Changes the exception for public shooting ranges to a defense to prosecution.

Status: Filed 02/22/2011.

Relating to the application of certain concealed handgun license laws to statewide elected officials, certain current and former members of the legislature, and certain state employees.

Grants statewide elected officials and members of the legislature special privileges to carry in bars, and school and professional sporting events.

Status: Filed 02/23/2011. 3/8/2011 S Referred to Criminal Justice. S Scheduled for public hearing on 4/12/2011. S Scheduled for public hearing on 4/13/2011. 4/18/2011 S Reported favorably as substituted. 4/18/2011 S Committee report printed and distributed. 5/6/2011 S Placed on intent calendar. 5/9/2011 S Reported engrossed. 5/9/2011 H Received from the Senate. 5/9/2011 H Referred to Criminal Jurisprudence. H Scheduled for public hearing on 5/17/2011. 5/16/2011 H Reported favorably as amended. 5/16/2011 H Reported favorably as amended. 5/19/2011 H Reported favorably as amended. 5/20/2011 H Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator. 5/20/2011 H Committee report distributed. 5/21/2011 H Comm. report sent to Local & Consent Calendar.

Similar to HB 1463. Comment 3.

SB 1411, by Hegar
Categories: Sale.

Relating to exemptions from the sales tax for certain firearms, hunting equipment, ammunition, and firearm or hunting accessories for a limited period.

On the second weekend in October, exempts from the sales tax firearms, ammo, archery equipment, and hunting gear.

Status: Filed 03/10/2011.

Identical to HB 2782.

Submitted Comments

Comment 1, 1-4-2011, Jack Griffith

HB 356

Lon Burnam is anti-gun, anti-CHL. I would be inclined to vote against anything he proposed.
I do NOT see anything wrong w/UT reciprocity. I know it takes money out of my pocket-fine. Personally, I'd like to see TX go to VT style laws (or at least AZ & AK).
If you cannot sell your TX CHL course, get certified and teach the UT class too.

Larry's response:

Thanks for your comment.

Comment 2, 1-14-2011, Walter Lee

HB 356

At the very least, this needs tweaking. If a person moves to Texas, all other licenses become meaningless instantly. I'd support this bill only if it allowed a reasonable time to obtain a Texas CHL. I do think Texas self defense laws are significantly different from a lot of other states, and that carriers benefit from Texas specific education.
My preference would be to follow Arizona and their instructors, decriminalize carry, but creating an atmosphere that supports education and training.
As the bill is written, I'm against it.

Larry's response:

Thanks for your comment.

Comment 3, 5-9-2011, Jack Sukenik

SB 905

Why does SB905 get a thumbs up on your Texas Legislation page? According to your site's definition a green thumbs up means: "... a bill that would be good for non-law enforcement civilian gun owners" How is SB905 good for me, a non-law enforcement civilian gun owner? SB905 supports a group of elites, not the unwashed masses. If the TCHIA supports SB905, you ought to at least change the definition.

Larry's response:

My mistake. I removed the symbol from the companion bill, but not SB 905. Corrected.
Thanks for your comment.

Using this Resource

The category index on the left links to listings on this page, and helps you find legislation by category.

In each listing the bill number is linked to the Texas Legislature site, where you can read the text or see where the bill is in the legislative process. Those links open a new window. Close that window to return here.

The opinion graphics represent my opinion only. If you have a comment email me at larnold@ktc.com. At my discretion I may publish signed comments.

Thumbs up is a bill that would be good for non-law enforcement civilian gun owners.
Thumbs down is a bill that would not.
The caution symbol marks a bill where an amendment could hurt us.
A bill with no marking is gun-owner neutral.

Do your own research. Search the State Legislature pages for introduced legislation. Select bill numbers, categories, authors, and so forth. The categories I regularly search are Environment--Noise (I0335), Parks & Wildlife--Hunting & Fishing (I0560), and Weapons (I0887).

Search the State Legislature pages for existing statutes.

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