Texas House Bill HB2127

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 3/3/11
• Out of House Committee: 4/18/11
• Voted on by House: 5/6/11
• Refer: 3/8/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/17/11
• Report Pass: 4/11/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/24/11
• Engrossed: 5/6/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 5/9/11
• Report Pass: 5/17/11
• Enrolled: 5/25/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the municipal regulation of the discharge of firearms and certain other weapons in certain counties.

Impact

By amending Chapter 229 of the Local Government Code, HB 2127 aims to standardize the regulation of weapon discharge within Texas, potentially reducing the authority of local governments. The bill seeks to clarify that municipalities may not impose restrictions in certain areas if the discharge of firearms meets set criteria, which can include distances from residential buildings and the size of the land where the discharge occurs. This can significantly influence how firearms are regulated across different jurisdictions in the state.

Summary

House Bill 2127 addresses the regulation of the discharge of firearms and certain other weapons specifically by municipalities located in counties with a significant population. The bill restricts municipalities from implementing regulations concerning the discharge of firearms or other weapons in designated extraterritorial jurisdictions or areas annexed before September 1, 1981. This means that if specific conditions regarding distance from residences and land size are met, cities and towns cannot impose regulations that conflict with the stipulations laid out in this bill.

Contention

Opponents of HB 2127 may argue that it undermines local control over public safety and community standards, particularly in populated areas where there might be diverse views on weapon discharge regulation. Supporters, on the other hand, reason that the bill prevents a patchwork of regulations that may burden lawful firearm use. The contention surrounding this bill illustrates the ongoing debate in Texas over the balance between statewide regulations and local governance, especially regarding public safety and Second Amendment rights.