Texas Senate Bill SB506

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to carrying a handgun during a state of disaster.

Impact

The implementation of SB506 would fundamentally impact the regulatory landscape surrounding firearm possession during emergencies. By providing clear exceptions for carrying handguns in disaster situations, the bill seeks to empower citizens to protect themselves as they navigate potentially dangerous and chaotic conditions. This change is intended to facilitate personal security for residents in areas deemed unsafe during natural disasters or other emergencies.

Summary

Senate Bill 506 aims to amend the Texas Penal Code to allow individuals to carry handguns during declared states of disaster without falling under certain restrictions typically enforced by firearm laws. Specifically, the bill stipulates that individuals evacuating from an area under a mandatory evacuation order, or reentering such an area, may carry a handgun without facing legal penalties that normally apply. This provision is contingent upon the individual not being prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm.

Contention

Notably, some concerns have been expressed regarding the potential implications of the law, particularly around public safety and the challenges of managing firearms during chaotic situations such as evacuations. While proponents of the bill argue that it enhances personal safety, critics underscore the risks posed by increased firearms in emergency shelters and during evacuations, where tensions may already be heightened. The discourse surrounding these concerns suggests a need for careful consideration of how such laws play out in real-world scenarios.