Relating to the purchase of a retired firearm from the Parks and Wildlife Department by a game warden.
Impact
The bill directly impacts the regulations surrounding how state departments manage retired firearms. By allowing commissioned peace officers to buy these weapons, SB417 streamlines the disposal process of retired firearms that are still functional but no longer needed by the department. This could potentially enhance the morale and job satisfaction of game wardens, as having access to their issued firearm could be viewed as a form of recognition for their service.
Summary
Senate Bill 417 is designed to facilitate the purchase of retired firearms from the Parks and Wildlife Department by commissioned peace officers, specifically game wardens. Under this bill, a game warden who has been issued a firearm by the department can purchase it for a price that does not exceed its fair market value, provided the firearm is not listed as a prohibited weapon. This offers game wardens a unique opportunity to acquire their service weapons, reinforcing their connection to the tools they have used while performing their duties.
Contention
While the bill appears to promote positive aspects, some contention may arise around the implications of state officials owning firearms originally issued by the department. Concerns could include the necessity of establishing appropriate guidelines and restrictions to ensure that these transactions maintain safety and accountability. Additionally, discussions may occur regarding the precedent it sets for other state agencies and how they handle retired equipment, not just firearms.
Legislative history
SB417 was last acted upon in June 2009, where it was noted to become effective immediately given a two-thirds majority approval vote. If the necessary votes were not achieved, it would have been enacted starting September 1, 2009. The legislative context and discussions around the bill suggest ongoing evaluations of firearm management practices in Texas.