Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB730

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
3/23/09  
Voted on by Senate
3/25/09  
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to an employee's transportation and storage of certain firearms or ammunition while on certain property owned or controlled by the employee's employer.

Impact

The passage of SB730 would have significant implications for state laws concerning the rights of firearm owners in the workplace. It effectively limits the authority of employers to create policies prohibiting employees from bringing firearms onto their property, particularly in parked vehicles. This change is expected to foster an environment where employees feel more secure in their right to carry concealed firearms, as it endorses firearm ownership rights within the bounds of the law. However, employers must still ensure that such firearms are stored safely.

Summary

SB730 aims to regulate the rights of employees regarding the transportation and storage of firearms and ammunition in vehicles on employer property. The bill establishes specific provisions that prevent public and private employers from imposing restrictions on employees who hold a license to carry concealed handguns. Specifically, employees are authorized to store firearms or ammunition in their locked, privately owned vehicles on designated employer parking areas, provided they possess the appropriate license and comply with safe storage practices.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB730 include debates about workplace safety, employer liability, and potential conflicts with existing regulations. Critics of the bill argue that allowing firearms on employer premises, even in personal vehicles, could lead to increased risks of accidental discharges, theft, or other safety concerns in the workplace. Supporters, however, contend that the bill is a necessary affirmation of Second Amendment rights, arguing that employees should not have to choose between their rights to carry firearms and their employment. The bill's provisions that stipulate the conditions under which employers can limit access to firearms, including providing secure storage options, are designed to address some of these safety concerns.

Companion Bills

TX HB1301

Identical Relating to an employee's transportation and storage of certain firearms or ammunition while on certain property owned or controlled by the employee's employer.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2837

Relating to prohibiting a person or entity from surveilling, reporting, or tracking the purchase of firearms, ammunition, and accessories through the use of certain merchant category codes; imposing a civil penalty.

TX SB2095

Relating to the prosecution of the offense involving the possession or carrying of certain weapons on the premises or property of certain locations.

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 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 HB3938

Relating to requiring certain persons prohibited by law from owning, possessing, or controlling a firearm to dispose of firearms owned, possessed, or controlled by the person.

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