Texas House Bill HB466

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

• Filed: 11/29/16

Caption

Relating to limiting the locations in which a license holder may openly carry a handgun; restricting an exception to a criminal offense.

Impact

Should HB 466 be enacted, it would establish a precedent allowing populous municipalities to create their own rules regarding how and where guns can be carried openly. It includes a provision for such ordinances to only be implemented following approval from the majority of voters in the municipality. This shift in authority is significant as it grants local governments enhanced regulatory power on firearm visibility, a topic often debated in broader discussions on gun rights versus community safety.

Summary

House Bill 466 seeks to regulate the open carry of handguns in municipalities with populations exceeding 750,000. The bill empowers these municipalities to adopt ordinances that prohibit licensed individuals from openly carrying a handgun when it is partially or wholly visible within city limits. This legislation stems from a growing concern regarding public safety and municipal autonomy in regulating firearm presence in urban environments where population density heightens the potential risks associated with visible firearms.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding HB 466 center on the balance of power between state and municipal governance. Supporters argue that local governments are best positioned to understand their specific challenges related to gun visibility and public safety. Conversely, opponents claim that the bill could lead to a confusing patchwork of regulations that might infringe upon individual rights to carry firearms as per state law. The conversation reflects broader national debates on gun control and the rights of municipalities to make decisions that cater to local needs.