Bill

HB 278

84(R) - 2015
House Homeland Security & Public Safety
House Homeland Security & Public Safety

Vote Recommendation

No
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Negative
  • Negative

Author(s)

Trent Ashby

Bill Caption

Relating to authorizing certain attorneys representing the state to openly carry a handgun.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 278, if passed, would modify the Penal Code (Section 46.035) to allow those in defense to prosecution to intentionally display a handgun in plain view of another, in public, provided if at the time the defense owned a concealed carry license, and was a district attorney, assistant district attorney, criminal district attorney, assistant criminal district attorney, county attorney, assistant county attorney, or municipal attorney.

Vote Recommendation Notes

HB 278 is an inappropriate bill as it creates a special privilege for a certain type of citizen. It is unfair to essentially grant a certain class of Texan the right to open carry while denying it to others. We support open carry generally, but not when so strictly constrained. Open carry laws should apply broadly to citizens of the state rather than only to specific, favored groups of citizens based on their occupation. As such we oppose HB 278.