TX
Texas House Bill HB1209

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1209

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

Caption

Relating to the punishment for the offense of unlawfully carrying a handgun by a license holder.

Impact

Should this bill be enacted, it will have significant implications for the current penal code relating to firearm offenses in Texas. The reclassification of certain violations from felony status to misdemeanors may lead to a broader recognition of rights for licensed gun carriers, particularly concerning their actions on private property. By making it easier for licensed individuals to carry handguns without severe punishments, the bill may also incrementally contribute to shifts in public perception regarding gun ownership and personal protection rights.

Summary

House Bill 1209 aims to amend the punishment structure for individuals unlawfully carrying a handgun while possessing a valid license. The bill stipulates that the majority of offenses will be classified as Class A misdemeanors, while specific subsections could result in Class C misdemeanors, which carry a lighter penalty. The intent behind the amendment is to create a more defined legal framework around the penalties for licensed individuals, potentially reducing criminal charges for actions perceived to be wrongful under previous laws. Furthermore, any offenses committed before the effective date would continue under prior regulations, illustrating a respect for existing legal interpretations.

Contention

Debate surrounds HB1209 primarily due to concerns over public safety and the potential for misuse. Critics argue that loosening restrictions could encourage irresponsible behavior, leading to more instances of gun-related incidents. Moreover, there is apprehension regarding how changes to the penal code will be interpreted by law enforcement when it comes to enforcing property rights versus public safety standards. Proponents, however, cite the necessity for licensed gun holders to feel secure in exercising their rights without the looming threat of severe penalties, fostering a culture of responsible gun ownership.

Companion Bills

TX SB583

Identical Relating to the punishment for the offense of unlawfully carrying a handgun by a license holder.

Previously Filed As

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 HB2278

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.

TX HB4639

Relating to unlawfully carrying a handgun in a motor vehicle or watercraft.

TX HB312

Relating to the criminal offense of carrying a handgun while intoxicated.

TX HB220

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.

TX HB769

Relating to the punishment for the offense of driving while license invalid.

TX SB2042

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

TX HB1648

Relating to the carrying or possession of a handgun by a district clerk and the issuance of a handgun license to a district clerk.

TX SB1620

Relating to the prosecution and punishment of certain criminal offenses committed in the course of or for the purpose of unlawfully entering the United States, unlawfully bypassing certain law enforcement checkpoints, or evading an arrest or detention; increasing criminal penalties.

TX HB261

Relating to the punishment for the offense of burglary of a vehicle.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.