Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1692

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

Caption

Relating to the transportation or storage of a handgun or other firearm or ammunition by a license holder in a motor vehicle in a parking area of a primary or secondary school.

Impact

The introduction of HB 1692 has potential implications on existing school safety regulations and local policies regarding firearms. The bill, if enacted, would override any local school policies that prohibit firearm storage in vehicles, thus altering the legal landscape concerning how schools manage the presence of firearms on their premises. This could lead to increased discussion and reevaluation of safety protocols within school districts, as educators and administrators navigate the evolving regulations surrounding firearms.

Summary

House Bill 1692 addresses the transportation and storage of handguns, firearms, and ammunition by licensed individuals in vehicles located on the premises of primary and secondary schools. This legislation restricts school districts and private educational institutions from prohibiting licensed individuals from storing or transporting firearms in a locked vehicle within school parking areas, as long as these items are not in plain view. The measure is designed to enhance the rights of gun owners, particularly those who carry firearms legally, by ensuring that they can maintain these rights while engaging with school property.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 1692 appears to be mixed, reflecting a division among lawmakers, educators, and parents. Proponents of the bill argue that it safeguards the rights of responsible gun owners, allowing them to securely transport their weapons without fear of infringement. Conversely, opponents raise concerns about the safety ramifications of allowing firearms in proximity to educational settings, positing that the presence of firearms could escalate rather than mitigate risks within school environments. This dichotomy underscores a broader national debate on firearm regulation and school safety.

Contention

Key points of contention include the balance between individual rights and collective safety. Supporters assert that the bill empowers licensed gun owners and promotes responsible firearm ownership, citing personal safety and the need for protection as pivotal factors. Meanwhile, critics argue that permitting firearms on or near school property could undermine efforts to create a safe learning environment, heightening anxiety and fear among students and parents. The discussion encapsulates larger themes in the ongoing national dialogue about gun rights, safety, and legislative responsibilities.

Companion Bills

TX SB1942

Identical Relating to the transportation or storage of a handgun or other firearm or ammunition by a license holder in a motor vehicle in a parking area of a primary or secondary school.

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 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 HB4639

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

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 HB3623

Relating to a memorandum of understanding between public or private primary or secondary schools authorizing a school marshal of one school to act as a school marshal at the other school during an event at which both schools participate.

TX HB2075

Relating to prohibiting the transfer of firearms other than handguns to certain recipients; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX HB781

Relating to prohibiting the transfer of firearms other than handguns to certain recipients; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty.

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 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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.