Relating to the requirement under certain circumstances that a license holder display the person's license to carry a concealed handgun.
Impact
The enactment of HB 410 would effectively mean that license holders would no longer be legally obligated to display their license upon request in specific situations, as previously mandated by Section 411.205. The suppression of this requirement could result in significant changes to how law enforcement interacts with concealed carry license holders, potentially easing the legal framework governing such encounters. By removing the obligation, it could also decrease the number of infractions reported against license holders who fail to display their license.
Summary
House Bill 410 aims to modify the legislation surrounding the requirement for a license holder to display their concealed handgun license under certain circumstances. Specifically, the bill proposes to repeal Section 411.205 of the Government Code, which previously established legal expectations for license display. This shift in law is intended to simplify the existing regulations governing concealed carry license holders and reduce regulatory burdens related to compliance and enforcement.
Contention
During the discussions surrounding HB 410, key points of contention arose regarding public safety and the implications of easing regulations for concealed carry. Proponents argue that the bill respects the rights of licensed individuals and reduces unnecessary bureaucratic red tape. In contrast, opponents may raise concerns about the potential for increased risks to public safety, claiming that such changes could embolden those carrying concealed weapons and hinder law enforcement's ability to verify licenses effectively. Thus, the bill encapsulates broader debates over gun control and the balance between personal freedoms and community safety.
Relating to adding a designation on a person's driver's license or commercial driver's license indicating that the person is licensed to carry a handgun.
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.
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.