Texas House Bill HB3553

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to prohibited requests for or disclosures of information regarding certain child-care facility license holders' ownership, possession, use, or storage of a firearm or other weapon; creating a criminal offense.

Impact

If passed, HB3553 would significantly alter the existing legal framework surrounding information collection related to firearms in child-care environments. By explicit prohibition of such data collection, the bill would prevent child-care facilities from being subjected to additional scrutiny regarding their firearm possessions. This aligns with broader calls for protecting Second Amendment rights amid discussions surrounding child welfare and safety regulations.

Summary

House Bill 3553 addresses the regulation of child-care facility license holders concerning firearms. It specifically prohibits the Department of Human Resources from requesting, collecting, or disclosing information regarding the lawful ownership, possession, use, or storage of a firearm or other weapon by individuals involved with licensed child-care facilities. The enforcement mechanism includes the classification of violations as a Class C misdemeanor. This bill aims to protect the privacy of license holders from invasive inquiries related to their rights to own firearms.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding HB3553, particularly in the context of the ongoing debates about firearm regulations and child safety. Supporters of the bill argue that it's a necessary measure to uphold the rights of firearm owners, especially in protective environments like child care. Critics, however, may interpret this prohibition as wielding potential safety implications, arguing that awareness of firearms in child-care settings may be vital for ensuring child safety, thus sparking discussions on balancing privacy rights against safety concerns.