Bill

HB 508

83(R) - 2013
2nd Amendment

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Positive

Author(s)

Ryan Guillen

Bill Caption

Relating to certain laws relating to carrying concealed handguns on property owned or leased by a governmental entity.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal impact is anticipated on the State. The fiscal impact on local governments is unable to be determined.

Bill Analysis

Summary: Under current law, a concealed handgun license holder is prohibited from carrying on certain public premises. Additionally, the license holder cannot carry on another's property if notice is given that it is prohibited. Some parties have reported that these laws have been misinterpreted and incorrectly enforced. HB 508 seeks to address this by:

  • Prohibiting a government entity from claiming a license holder is prohibited from carrying on their premises if a license holder is not prohibited.
  • Providing civil recourse for by allowing a citizen to request the Attorney General to sue the government entity in violation.
  • Directing the civil penalty levied on the government entity to go to the victims of crime fund.
  • Requiring the Attorney General to give the government entity fifteen days notice before filing a civil suit.
  • Waiving sovereign immunity for a violation under this bill.
  • Clarifying when a violation occurs for carrying a handgun during a meeting of a government entity.

Analysis: HB 508 keeps government accountable and prevents a government from denying license holders their rights under the law. Additionally, HB 508 provides avenues for civil recourse if a government entity violates the law by incorrectly prohibiting a license holder from exercising their right. Finally, this bill makes compliance with the law easier by clarifying the circumstances under which a license holder cannot carry a firearm. For these reasons, we recommend voting YES on HB 508.