| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Positive | Positive |
Relating to authorizing the provision of temporary secure storage
for weapons at certain public buildings; authorizing fees.
Costs and gains associated with implementing the provisions of the bill are dependent on the amount of
secure weapons storage state agencies install in buildings under their control, fees state agencies charge for
weapons storage, costs associated with storing unclaimed weapons, and proceeds from the sale of forfeited
weapons. Therefore, the fiscal implications of the bill cannot be determined.
HB 29 would allow temporary secure storage of weapons by citizens in certain buildings used by state agencies, generally open to the public, and in which carrying a firearm or other weapon is prohibited. This provision would not apply to a penal institution or a public primary or secondary school or institute of higher education. The bill would also authorize a state agency to provide self-service weapon lockers for the temporary secure storage of any weapon prohibited in a building or portion of a building. Lastly, the bill provides that if the weapon is not reclaimed before the 30th day after the date the weapon was placed in a self-service weapon locker or other temporary secure storage, the weapon is forfeited and may be sold by the agency.
Texas Action supports HB 29 on the principles of individual liberty and limited government. A person lawfully carrying a firearm or other weapon which they are prohibited from taking into a public building used by a state agency must choose between not entering the building, leaving their weapon in their vehicle, or leaving their weapon at home. This legislation would allow citizens to gain access to relevant public buildings to conduct business or go to work without having to leave their firearms at home or in a vehicle.