Texas House Bill HB1108

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the carrying and possession of a concealed handgun by a school marshal.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1108 will significantly alter existing regulations surrounding firearm possession in schools. The bill allows school marshals greater freedom in carrying concealed handguns, deviating from previous stipulations that required firearms to be stored in a secure location during duty hours. This change is anticipated to be seen as a proactive measure to deter potential threats in educational establishments, thereby impacting how school safety is approached in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 1108 relates to the carrying and possession of a concealed handgun by a school marshal. The bill aims to amend certain sections of the Education Code, specifically regarding the authority of school marshals to carry concealed handguns on school premises. Under the proposed legislation, school marshals will be authorized to carry concealed handguns, provided that these firearms are loaded only with frangible duty ammunition approved by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. This change reflects an effort to enhance security protocols in educational environments, particularly in response to concerns over school safety.

Contention

The introduction of HB 1108 may raise points of contention among various stakeholders. Advocates of the bill argue that empowering school marshals to carry concealed handguns will bolster security and potentially save lives in critical situations. However, opponents may express concerns regarding the implications of armed personnel on campus and the potential risks it poses to students and staff. Debates could arise concerning the adequacy of training for school marshals in handling firearms and the appropriateness of allowing guns in academic settings. Overall, while the bill aims to address safety, it also opens the floor for discussions about the balance between security and risk in schools.