TX
Texas House Bill HB3628

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3628

Caption

Relating to the carrying of holstered handguns by handgun license holders.

Impact

The revisions made by HB 3628 aim to strengthen the rights of licensed individuals when carrying firearms by eliminating specific restrictions that previously rendered carrying in a holster a defense in certain contexts only. With these changes, individuals may now carry their handguns visibly if they are carried in an approved holster, potentially leading to an increase in open carry situations in public and private settings under the law. This could influence public perception of firearm ownership and carry practices.

Summary

House Bill 3628 addresses the regulations surrounding the carrying of holstered handguns by individuals holding a valid handgun license in Texas. Specifically, it amends several sections of the Penal Code to clarify and modify existing laws about firearm possession. The bill stipulates that handgun license holders can carry their weapons in a holster, removing certain restrictions on how weapons are to be legally visible during transport in vehicles and while participating in various activities.

Contention

The bill has generated discourse among lawmakers and the public concerning gun rights and safety. While supporters of HB 3628 argue for the expansion of individual rights and the clarification of confusing existing laws, opponents express concern over the potential for increased visibility and accessibility of firearms in everyday settings. Critics argue that easing these restrictions may pose risks, especially in public spaces where the presence of firearms could heighten tensions or lead to misunderstandings.

Additional_points

HB 3628 appears to be part of a broader trend in Texas legislation to expand gun rights and modify existing gun control measures. The bill’s passage could further embolden discussions around Second Amendment rights, potentially leading to future legislative efforts aimed at revising or repealing other existing firearm regulations in the state.

Companion Bills

TX HB2112

Same As Relating to the carrying of holstered handguns by handgun license holders.

Previously Filed As

TX SB354

Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns by handgun license holders on the campus of a school district or open-enrollment charter school.

TX SB2042

Relating to prohibiting the carrying of a handgun by a member of a criminal street gang while engaged in criminal activity; creating a criminal offense; changing the eligibility for community supervision.

TX HB2278

Relating to wrongful exclusion of handgun license holders from certain property owned by or leased to a governmental entity and to certain offenses relating to the carrying of handguns on that property.

TX SB2348

Relating to required notice prohibiting firearms at certain businesses selling or serving alcoholic beverages and the prohibition on carrying certain weapons on those premises.

TX HB4639

Relating to unlawfully carrying a handgun in a motor vehicle or watercraft.

TX HB1648

Relating to the carrying or possession of a handgun by a district clerk and the issuance of a handgun license to a district clerk.

TX HB2960

Relating to the locations in which carrying certain weapons is prohibited and the applicability of a defense to prosecution for an offense relating to carrying a handgun in certain prohibited locations and associated notice requirements.

TX SB599

Relating to the carrying or possession of a handgun by a district or county clerk and the issuance of a handgun license to a district or county clerk.

TX HB220

Relating to the offense of unlawful transfer of handguns and other firearms and to the duties of certain entities with respect to handgun licenses that are active, suspended, or revoked; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB2280

Relating to the carrying of handguns on the campuses of and certain other locations associated with institutions of higher education.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.