TX
Texas House Bill HB1238

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1238

Caption

Relating to provisions governing the carrying of a firearm by a person who is not otherwise prohibited by state or federal law from possessing the firearm and to other provisions related to the carrying, possessing, transporting, or storing of a firearm.

Impact

The bill aims to alter the existing regulations by lifting the requirement for individuals to obtain a license to carry a handgun. This change is expected to affect various laws connected to the carrying and storage of firearms, including where one can legally carry a firearm and how employers manage firearm storage or possession on their properties. Importantly, while the bill broadens access to carrying firearms, it still retains certain prohibitions regarding carrying in specific sensitive locations such as schools, post offices, and polling places.

Summary

House Bill 1238, dubbed the Texas Constitutional Carry Act of 2021, introduces significant changes to the laws governing the carrying of firearms in Texas. This bill allows individuals who are not otherwise prohibited by state or federal law to carry a firearm without a permit. Under the proposed legislation, the existing penal code sections related to unlawful carrying and possession of firearms are amended to align with the new allowances for constitutional carry, thus providing a more lenient regime for citizens wishing to carry firearms openly or concealed.

Contention

Opposition to HB 1238 primarily stems from concerns regarding public safety and the potential increase in violence or accidental shootings with less oversight on who can carry firearms. Supporters, on the other hand, argue that the bill strengthens Second Amendment rights and enables citizens to defend themselves without government intervention. There have been heated discussions regarding the implications for workplaces, particularly how businesses can enforce policies against firearms on their premises, and the responsibility employers have regarding safety in such environments.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1343

Relating to prohibiting carrying a firearm while intoxicated; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB3996

Relating to regulating certain firearm transfers, possession of certain firearms, and protective orders prohibiting possession of a firearm; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB1274

Relating to regulating certain firearm transfers, possession of certain firearms, and protective orders prohibiting possession of a firearm; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB7

Relating to regulating certain firearm transfers, possession of certain firearms, and protective orders prohibiting possession of a firearm; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB5

Relating to regulating certain firearm transfers, possession of certain firearms, and protective orders prohibiting possession of a firearm; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB73

Relating to regulating certain firearm transfers, possession of certain firearms, and protective orders prohibiting possession of a firearm; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB253

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

TX HB1616

Relating to the acquisition or attempted acquisition of a firearm by a person prohibited from possessing a firearm; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB168

Relating to the acquisition or attempted acquisition of a firearm by a person prohibited from possessing a firearm; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB216

Relating to the unlawful carrying of certain firearms; creating a criminal offense.

Similar Bills

TX HB2900

Relating to provisions governing the carrying of a firearm by a person who is not otherwise prohibited by state or federal law from possessing the firearm and to other provisions related to the carrying, possessing, transporting, or storing of a firearm; making conforming changes.

TX HB375

Relating to providing for the carrying of handguns without a license and to related offenses and penalties.

TX HB1927

Relating to provisions governing the carrying of a firearm by a person who is 21 years of age or older and not otherwise prohibited by state or federal law from possessing the firearm and to other provisions related to the carrying, possessing, transporting, or storing of a firearm or other weapon; creating criminal offenses.

TX SB540

Relating to authorizing certain person to carry a handgun.

TX HB4386

Relating to authorizing certain person to carry a handgun

TX SB1289

Relating to prohibiting the carrying of a firearm on property owned or leased by a governmental entity.

TX HB910

Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry a holstered handgun; creating criminal offenses.

TX SB17

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.