Bill

SB 535

86(R) - 2019
Senate State Affairs
House Criminal Jurisprudence
Senate State Affairs
House Criminal Jurisprudence
Criminal Procedure
Weapons

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Positive

Author(s)

Donna Campbell
Brian Birdwell
Bob Hall

Sponsor(s)

Dan Flynn

Co-Sponsor(s)

Trent Ashby
Tom Oliverson

Bill Caption

Relating to the carrying of a handgun by a license holder on the premises of certain places of religious worship.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 535 would codify an attorney general opinion that it is not unlawful for person with a license to carry to possess a handgun in a place of worship unless notice was given under Section 30.006 or 30.07 that it is prohibited.

SB 535 would reduce the penalty for the offense of unlawful carrying of a firearm by a license holder in a established place of religious worship to a Class C misdemeanor (from Class A) punishable by a fine not to exceed $200. The offense can be a Class A misdemeanor if it is shown on the trial of the offense that, after entering the property, the license holder was personally given notice by oral communication under Section 30.06 or 30.07 that entry on the property was forbidden and subsequently failed to depart.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action supports SB 535 because it supports the principles of limited government and individual liberty. The bill reduces the penalty for those who unlawfully carry a firearm in a prohibited area. The bill still leaves the possibility of a more severe penalty if the individual is asked to depart the property and refuses to do so. 

Organizations Supporting

Game Warden Peace Officers Association