Texas Senate Bill SB355

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 11/13/24

Caption

Relating to the notice given by a property owner prohibiting certain persons from carrying certain firearms on the property.

Impact

If enacted, SB355 will enhance the legal framework governing property rights in relation to firearms. This would provide property owners more explicit authority to dictate firearm presence on their property, as they will be able to formally and effectively communicate prohibitions. This could lead to an uptick in property owners choosing to restrict firearm access, aligning their private property rights with personal safety concerns and public sentiment towards gun control.

Summary

SB355 aims to revise the rules regarding property owners' rights to prohibit certain individuals from carrying firearms on their premises. The proposed amendments would modify existing sections of the Penal Code to clarify the ways in which property owners can communicate these prohibitions, emphasizing that signs must be conspicuously displayed in both English and Spanish, thereby making them accessible to a broader audience. The use of specific signage is detailed, including requirements for color, size, and pictograms to ensure that the instruction to not carry firearms is clear and visible to all potential entrants.

Contention

The bill has potential points of contention, particularly among advocates for firearm rights, who may view these restrictions as encroachments on individual liberties. Opponents of enhanced firearm regulations might contend that the bill could foster an environment hostile to lawful gun ownership, infringing upon rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment. Conversely, proponents of the bill argue that it empowers property owners and enhances safety by establishing clear rules about where firearms are not permitted, thus potentially reducing the number of firearm-related incidents in sensitive environments like schools, restaurants, and private venues.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Penal Code

• Chapter 30. Burglary And Criminal Trespass
  • Section: 05
  • Section: 06
  • Section: 07