Texas House Bill HB944

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry the handgun; providing penalties.

Impact

If enacted, HB 944 will significantly alter the landscape of handgun carry laws in Texas. It will provide license holders with the ability to carry handguns openly, which supporters argue could deter crime and empower individuals to protect themselves. The legislation also includes provisions for background checks to ensure that individuals who are eligible to carry a handgun can do so lawfully, aiming to balance the expansion of rights with the necessity of public safety. Moreover, it reinforces the authority of business owners to regulate firearms on their premises through appropriate signage.

Summary

House Bill 944 establishes the authority of licensed individuals to carry handguns openly in Texas. It amends several provisions within the Penal Code and Alcoholic Beverage Code to clarify and extend the right to carry handguns in both concealed and unconcealed manners. The legislation sets criteria for the issuance of handgun licenses and establishes penalties for offenses relating to unlicensed carrying or failure to comply with signage requirements about carrying firearms in certain establishments. This bill is positioned as a measure to expand the Second Amendment rights of Texans while adhering to existing public safety regulations.

Contention

The proposal has faced notable contention during discussions. Proponents claim that allowing open carry could promote a sense of security among law-abiding citizens, while opponents argue that it could encourage dangerous confrontations and challenge public safety. Concerns have also been raised regarding the potential for increased firearm-related incidents in crowded places or establishments where alcohol is served. The regulatory framework for local governments to manage firearms in their jurisdictions is also at stake, as the bill proposes to preempt local laws that contradict state-level provisions.