TX
Texas Senate Bill SB220

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB220

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

Caption

Relating to the offense involving the carrying of handguns by license holders on the premises of certain mental health facilities.

Impact

The implications of SB220 are significant for both mental health facilities and licensed gun owners in Texas. By specifying that signs must be displayed prominently at entrances to mental health facilities, the bill ensures that individuals are aware of the policies governing the carrying of handguns. This change aims to improve the overall safety in such venues, as it creates a clearer understanding of the rights and responsibilities of both the facility management and the licensed individuals. Furthermore, the bill enforces a more structured approach to the prevention of potential altercations within these settings.

Summary

SB220 aims to amend firearm regulations in Texas concerning the carrying of handguns by licensed individuals on the premises of certain mental health facilities. Specifically, it seeks to clarify and define the circumstances under which a license holder is permitted or prohibited from carrying a handgun in these sensitive environments. The bill modifies existing laws to enhance safety protocols while allowing individuals who have secured a handgun license some level of flexibility in carrying weapons, contingent on compliance with facility regulations.

Contention

Throughout the legislative discussions, there were notable points of contention regarding SB220. Advocates argued that the bill strikes a fair balance between the rights of individuals to carry firearms and the need to safeguard vulnerable populations within mental health facilities. Critics expressed concerns over the safety implications associated with allowing handguns on premises that serve individuals with mental health issues, underscoring the potential risks of firearms in environments designed for healing and support. The bill's passage reflects the ongoing debate in Texas about gun rights, public safety, and mental health care.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2279

Relating to the prosecution of certain offenses involving the carrying of weapons at certain locations.

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 SB2095

Relating to the prosecution of the offense involving the possession or carrying of certain weapons on the premises or property of certain locations.

TX SB2348

Relating to required notice prohibiting firearms at certain businesses selling or serving alcoholic beverages and the prohibition on carrying certain weapons on those premises.

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 HB4726

Relating to prohibiting weapons in certain facilities providing services to individuals with mental illness or an intellectual disability and community centers providing community-based mental health or intellectual disability services.

TX HB2960

Relating to the locations in which carrying certain weapons is prohibited and the applicability of a defense to prosecution for an offense relating to carrying a handgun in certain prohibited locations and associated notice requirements.

TX HB1007

Relating to prohibiting weapons in certain facilities or residences providing services to individuals with an intellectual disability or a developmental disability.

TX HB4886

Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB1179

Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.