Texas Gun Legislation - 2015 84th Session

[matefrio]

Thread where we can track gun legislation, pro or against, 2015 Texas State bills.

Please post actual bills and news on the bills as response. I'll do my best to keep up with ones this term.

If you want to comment YOUR OPINION of a bill please start a new thread or search for an existing thread :: i.e. Texas Gun Legislation - 2013 HB 47 proficiency course comments here

I no longer reside in TX but I was born and lived most of my life there. Think of this as the Wisconsin Consulate of TX.

If we can keep this thread clean of comments and just news\progress of these bills it'll be a great resource.




House

HB 92 - Relating to the definition of an illegal knife. (Close but no cigar)
Texas Legislature Online - 84(R) History for HB 92

HB 106 - Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry the handgun; providing penalties.
Texas Legislature Online - 84(R) History for HB 106

HB 164 - Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry the handgun; providing penalties.
Texas Legislature Online - 84(R) History for HB 164

HB 172 - Relating to municipal regulation of electric stun guns, knives, and personal defense sprays.
Texas Legislature Online - 84(R) History for HB 172

HB 176 - Relating to protection of the right to keep and bear arms within the State of Texas.
Texas Legislature Online - 84(R) History for HB 176

HB 195 - Relating to the carrying of handguns; providing for the open carrying of handguns; removing the requirement that a person who may lawfully possess handguns obtain a Concealed Handgun License in order to carry a handgun lawfully in the state of Texas, and conforming changes.
Texas Legislature Online - 84(R) History for HB 195

HB 198 - Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns by certain persons attending a school board meeting.
Texas Legislature Online - 84(R) History for HB 198

HB 206 - Relating to an exemption from the sales tax for firearms and hunting supplies for a limited period.
Texas Legislature Online - 84(R) History for HB 206

HB 216 - Relating to the eligibility of a person for a license to carry a concealed handgun. (CHL for 18 year olds)
Texas Legislature Online - 84(R) History for HB 216


HB 223 = Relating to acceptable conduct of students in kindergarten through grade five. (Allow Sandwitch guns) :-)
Texas Legislature Online - 84(R) History for HB 223


HB 226 - Relating to certain offenses relating to carrying concealed handguns on property owned or leased by a governmental entity; providing a civil penalty.
Texas Legislature Online - 84(R) History for HB 226

HB 278 - Relating to authorizing certain attorneys representing the state to openly carry a handgun.
Texas Legislature Online - 84(R) History for HB 278

HB 284 - Relating to the handgun proficiency required to obtain or renew a concealed handgun license.
Texas Legislature Online - 84(R) History for HB 284


HB 291 - Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry the handgun; providing penalties.
Texas Legislature Online - 84(R) Text for HB 291

HB 308 - Relating to the places where a person may carry a handgun if the person is licensed to carry a concealed handgun.
Texas Legislature Online - 84(R) Text for HB 308

HB 353 - Relating to the application of certain weapons laws to certain volunteer emergency services personnel licensed to carry a concealed handgun.
Texas Legislature Online - 84(R) History for HB 353


HB 370 Relating to notifying a parent or guardian whether an employee of a school is appointed school marshal and the confidentiality of information submitted to or collected by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement in connection with a certification for appointment as school marshal.
Texas Legislature Online - 84(R) History for HB 370

HB 413 Relating to protection of the right to keep and bear arms within the State of Texas.
Texas Legislature Online - 84(R) History for HB 413


HB 415 Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry the handgun; providing penalties.
Texas Legislature Online - 84(R) History for HB 415


HB 421 Relating to exempting the intrastate manufacture of a firearm, a firearm accessory, or ammunition from federal regulation.
Texas Legislature Online - 84(R) History for HB 421


HB 422 Relating to the enforcement of certain federal laws regulating firearms, firearm accessories, and firearm ammunition within the State of Texas.
Texas Legislature Online - 84(R) History for HB 422

HB 508 Relating to an exemption for certain law enforcement and military personnel from the requirement to complete a hunter education program; authorizing a fee.
Texas Legislature Online - 84(R) History for HB 508

​Continued POST 14 Below
​

Senate

SB 124 - Relating to certain criminal offenses concerning the unlawful transfer or purchase of certain weapons.
Texas Legislature Online - 84(R) History for SB 124

SB 179 - Relating to the handgun proficiency required to obtain or renew a concealed handgun license.
Texas Legislature Online - 84(R) History for SB 179

SB 228 Relating to an exemption from the sales tax for firearms and hunting supplies for a limited period.
Texas Legislature Online - 84(R) History for SB 228


SB 229 Relating to the unlawful seizure of a firearm by a governmental officer or employee; providing penalties.
Texas Legislature Online - 84(R) History for SB 229

Continued POST 14 Below​

CSR

How a Bill Becomes Law in TX
http://www.tlc.state.tx.us/pubslegref/gtli.pdf#page=7

 

[BIGPAPIGREG]

good thread Bigun, thanks for putting it up

 

[jordanmills]

HB 198 - Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns by certain persons attending a school board meeting.
Texas Legislature Online - 84(R) History for HB 198

BAD. Just trying to make some animals more equal than others.

 

[HarleyMechanix]

HB 223 We need to move our society back in the direction of NOT being terrified of anything resembling a gun. Plus I really like sammitches.

 

[Davetex]

Thanks for posting. I'll be watching this one with interest.

 

[preyn2]

After a quick once-over of the bills relating to open carry, here's my understanding of the differences (please forgive me if I missed something big), in a nutshell:
HB 106 – License for concealed and unconcealed. Belt or shoulder holster. Dual points of resistance. This bill is a non-starter for me. So every time a police officer sees me with a holstered handgun, he would be within his authority to see if my holster includes "dual points of resistance"? That actually seems more restrictive than what we have now. And how do we define "dual points of resistance"?

HB 164 – License for concealed and unconcealed. Belt or shoulder holster. I'd settle for this, but I don't like the requirement for a "belt or shoulder holster." I have this cute lacy little garter holster for my S&W 642 that would be illegal. I look positively dashing with it on. And where does a purse holster, or fanny pack, or briefcase, or day planner, or back pack fit into the equation? I thought the idea behind open carry was to remove somebody else's authority to tell me how to carry my gun.

HB 195 – “Constitutional Carry”. Removes the requirement to possess a Concealed Handgun License when carrying a handgun in either concealed or unconcealed manners. Does not prescribe how a handgun may be carried (no "belt or shoulder holster" requirement). Does not abolish the DPS CHL program or change any requirements to obtain a CHL. Personally, I don't understand what problem a CHL solves, so I'm strongly in favor of HB 195. I don't know if there's enough support for full, unlicensed, "constitutional carry" in Texas yet. I'm planning to keep my CHL anyway, just for travel, grandkid/school, and purchasing reasons.

Discussion?

 

[Renegade]

Personally, I don't understand what problem a CHL solves, so I'm strongly in favor of HB 195 .... I'm planning to keep my CHL anyway, just for travel, grandkid/school, and purchasing reasons.

You answered your own question. CHL solves traveling/reciprocity, school zones and NICS check.

 

[itchin]

Plus it gives the Elmer fudds the feeling they are a member of the cool kids club.

 

[Jack House]

I feel like HB 106 and HB 164 were written by amateurs.

HB 195 is pretty solid and certainly the most minimal in terms of changes. I support this bill.

HB 176 is a feel good bill that does nothing but confuse people. It was written by someone that wants to look like they're doing something while doing nothing at all. That or by an amateur that knows nothing of Texas law. I say this because it does not repeal PC 46.05.

The rest I haven't had a chance to look over yet.

 

[Glockster69]

HB 176 is a feel good bill that does nothing but confuse people. It was written by someone that wants to look like they're doing something while doing nothing at all. That or by an amateur that knows nothing of Texas law. I say this because it does not repeal PC 46.05.

Perhaps that is what the author is trying to accomplish by default, repeal all weapons laws that are not compliant with the Constitution(s).

 

[Younggun]

I wondered about that one.

Problem is, the SCOTUS likes to call them all constitutional.


What I wonder is, would it bring up issues where SCOTUS ruled that the law was an infringement, but allowed it to stand.

 

[Jack House]

Perhaps that is what the author is trying to accomplish by default, repeal all weapons laws that are not compliant with the Constitution(s).

If that is his intention, he is not doing a very good job of it. The proposed bill does not repeal PC 46.05 and as long as it is still law, Texas LEO can and will continue to enforce federal law. Even if in a round about way.

 

[Glockster69]

What we've got here is failure to communicate.

 

[matefrio]

HB 554 Relating to a defense to prosecution for the offense of possessing or carrying a weapon in or into the secured area of an airport.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB554


HB 571 Relating to a defense to prosecution for the offense of possessing or carrying a weapon in or into the secured area of an airport.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB571


HB 573 Relating to a defense to prosecution for the offense of possessing or carrying a firearm on the premises of a polling place.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB573


HB 695 Relating to the carrying of a concealed handgun by the holder of a concealed handgun license on hospital or nursing home premises; authorizing a penalty.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB695

HB 712 Relating to an exemption from the sales tax for Firearms and Firearm supplies for a limited period.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB712


HB 805 Relating to authorizing a license holder to carry a concealed handgun on certain premises.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB805


HB 844 Relating to the possession of certain weapons by a security guard on the premises of a school or educational institution.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB844

HB 849 Relating to an exemption from the sales tax for firearms and hunting supplies for a limited period.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB849


HB 877 Relating to creating the offense of intimidation by a member of a criminal street gang.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB877


HB 890 Relating to reducing certain fees for a license to carry a concealed handgun for county jailers.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB890


HB 905 Relating to the regulation of knives and related supplies and the enforcement of regulations regarding certain weapons.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB905


HB 910 Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry a holstered handgun; creating a criminal offense; providing penalties.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB910

HB 917 Relating to school marshals for private schools, notifying a parent or guardian whether an employee of a public or private school is appointed school marshal, and the confidentiality of information submitted to or collected by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement in connection with a certification for appointment as school marshal.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB917


HB 922 Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry the handgun; creating an offense; providing penalties.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB922


HB 937 Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns on the campuses of and certain other locations associated with institutions of higher education.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB937


HB 944 Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry the handgun; providing penalties.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB944

HB 989 - -Relating to defenses and exceptions to the prosecution of the criminal offense of the possession, manufacture, transport, repair, or sale of certain prohibited explosive weapons, firearms, and related items.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB989


Senate


SB 256 Relating to creating an offense for the unlawful possession or transfer of a large-capacity magazine.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB256


SB 257 Relating to the reporting of a lost or stolen firearm; providing criminal penalties.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB257


SB 258 Relating to the creation of certain offenses concerning firearm sales at gun shows.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB258


SB 259 Relating to criminal history background checks in connection with firearm transfers; creating offenses.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB259


SB 273 Relating to certain offenses relating to carrying concealed handguns on property owned or leased by a governmental entity; providing a civil penalty.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB273

SB 301 Relating to school marshals for private schools.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB301


SB 311 Relating to certain offenses involving the carrying of concealed handguns by license holders and to defenses and exceptions to the prosecution of those offenses.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB311


SB 342 Relating to providing for the open and concealed carrying of handguns without a license and to related offenses and penalties.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB342


SB 346 Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry a holstered handgun; creating a criminal offense; providing penalties.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB346

SB 386 - Relating to the appointment of school marshals by public junior colleges.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB989




SB 438 - Relating to prohibiting public funds from being used to enforce certain federal or international laws regulating firearms, firearm accessories, and firearm ammunition within the State of Texas.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB438


SB 439 - Relating to the prosecution of the offense of unlawful carrying of weapons.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB439


HJR


HJR 56 Proposing a constitutional amendment to remove legislative authority to regulate the wearing of arms.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HJR56

 

[Jack House]

What we've got here is failure to communicate.

If you're suggesting the bill could be used to challenge the federal laws in court, I don't think so. The bill only prohibits Texas law enforcement from enforcing those laws. But it really doesn't even do that since they would just enforce the existing Texas law instead.



There is no reason for the Fed to challenge this bill. It does no instruct Texas LEOs to disrupt federal investigations. It does not prevent Texas LEOs from enforcing the mirrored Texas laws.

There is no standing for us to challenge federal law with this bill as far as I can tell.

For what it's worth, I support nullification. I just don't believe this bill does anything other than look pretty.


Edit:

New OC Bill posted. HB 291

This is the exact same bill as HB 106.

 

[matefrio]

Added HB 308

 

[matefrio]

Added HB 353

 

[matefrio]

Added HB 413, 415, 421 and 422

 

[matefrio]

Updated with SB 228 and 229. Finally some further Senate action and a companion bill.

 

[matefrio]

Bump, lots of updates. See Post 14

Whew. Lots of updates.


Senate has assigned committees.


SB 124 and SB 179 have been referred to committees.