Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB94

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to restrictions on the use of a stun gun; providing certain criminal penalties and defenses to prosecution for persons who obtain a stun gun license.

Impact

If enacted, SB94 will directly influence state laws related to the possession of stun guns, effectively introducing a licensing process for individuals wishing to carry such devices. It establishes criteria for obtaining a stun gun license, emphasizing the necessity of training that would ensure users are proficient in the safe handling and operation of stun guns. This change seeks to balance the rights of individuals to defend themselves with the need for public safety and responsible use of potentially dangerous devices.

Summary

SB94 amends the Penal Code in Texas to establish restrictions on the use of stun guns. It defines a stun gun as a device intended to incapacitate a person through the emission of an electrical charge. The bill proposes new provisions concerning the possession, licensing, and use of stun guns, including defenses against prosecution for licensed individuals who have completed specific training. The goal of the legislation is to clarify the legal use of stun guns while promoting safety and accountability among users.

Contention

The bill may generate discussion regarding the impact of these regulations on personal freedoms, particularly concerning self-defense rights. While proponents may argue that licensing and training help prevent misuse of stun guns, critics may raise concerns about the potential barriers to self-defense resources for individuals who are unable to navigate the bureaucratic licensing process. Moreover, the distinctions made between licensed users and uniformly applied criminal penalties could raise questions about equity and access to self-defense methods in various communities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2917

Relating to peace officers and the investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses.

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 HB4014

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

TX HB7

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB61

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB1316

Relating to the prosecution and punishment of certain criminal offenses involving the smuggling of persons or the operation of a stash house; increasing criminal penalties.

Similar Bills

TX SB769

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TX HB1378

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TX HB1510

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LA HB667

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TX SB1255

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LA HCR84

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TX SB1782

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TX SB942

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