Bill

HB 435

85(R) - 2017
House Homeland Security & Public Safety
Senate State Affairs
House Homeland Security & Public Safety
Senate State Affairs

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Ken King

Co-Author(s)

DeWayne Burns
Brooks Landgraf
Andrew Murr
Leighton Schubert

Sponsor(s)

Charles Perry

Bill Caption

Relating to the application of certain weapons laws to and liability for certain actions of volunteer emergency services personnel licensed to carry a handgun.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

H.B. 435 amends the Penal Code to exempt a person who is volunteer emergency services personnel, is engaged in providing emergency services and carrying a handgun that the person is licensed to carry, from civil action arising from the discharge of their firearm and the application of the offense of unlawful carrying of a weapon and the offense of possessing or going with a prohibited weapon in a place where weapons are prohibited.

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill would protect those who are licensed to carry, and sworn volunteer emergency personnel, to not fear any harmful consequences for responsibly discharging their firearm in an emergency or carrying their firearm while serving the public. This affirms our personal responsibility principle, therefore we support this bill.