Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1911

Caption

Relating to provisions governing the carrying of a handgun by certain unlicensed persons and to other provisions related to the carrying, possessing, transporting, or storing of a firearm; providing criminal penalties.

Impact

The proposed changes stand to significantly impact existing state laws regarding gun ownership and carrying procedures. By allowing unlicensed individuals to carry handguns under specific conditions, it could increase the potential for firearms in public spaces. This proposal raises discussions on the implications for community safety, with proponents arguing it enhances self-defense capabilities while critics express concern over risks associated with granting broader access to firearms without a licensing requirement. The bill seeks to simplify the legal landscape for firearm carriers in Texas and reduce regulatory barriers.

Summary

House Bill 1911 proposes changes to laws governing the carrying of handguns by unlicensed individuals in Texas. The bill seeks to amend various sections of the Penal Code to clarify and modify the circumstances under which individuals may carry, possess, or store a handgun without a license. This includes provisions allowing individuals to carry handguns in vehicles and during specific scenarios without necessarily being licensed. The overall intent is to facilitate the rights of individuals to carry firearms in a responsible manner while ensuring certain restrictions are upheld to maintain public safety.

Sentiment

Sentiment surrounding HB 1911 appears to be mixed. Advocates claim it enables personal freedom and self-defense rights, emphasizing that responsible individuals should have the ability to carry firearms with fewer restrictions. Conversely, opponents worry that these changes may lead to increased gun violence and safety risks, highlighting the need for regulations that prioritize community safety. The discourse reflects broader debates about gun rights and control in Texas, a state known for its strong advocacy of Second Amendment rights.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the bill's provision to relax rules concerning handgun visibility in vehicles and locations such as hospitals or public events, where firearms might previously have been explicitly prohibited. While supporters see this as a necessary update to outdated regulations, others are concerned about the potential for increased incidents involving unlicensed individuals carrying firearms in sensitive areas. The debate encapsulates divergent views on personal freedoms versus community safety and the ongoing struggle to balance these interests in legislative actions.

Companion Bills

TX HB1587

Same As Relating to provisions governing the carrying of a handgun by certain unlicensed persons and to other provisions related to the carrying, possessing, transporting, or storing of a firearm; providing criminal penalties.

Previously Filed As

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 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 HB2291

Relating to the carrying or possession of a handgun by certain retired judges and justices.

TX SB1169

Relating to the carrying or possession of a handgun by certain retired judges and justices.

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 HB4014

Relating to prohibiting the carrying of a firearm by a member of a criminal street gang while engaged in certain criminal activity; creating a criminal offense; changing the eligibility for community supervision.

TX HB216

Relating to the unlawful carrying of certain firearms; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB2042

Relating to prohibiting the carrying of a handgun by a member of a criminal street gang while engaged in criminal activity; creating a criminal offense; changing the eligibility for community supervision.

TX HB1648

Relating to the carrying or possession of a handgun by a district clerk and the issuance of a handgun license to a district clerk.

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.

Similar Bills

TX HB1587

TX HB435

Relating to the carrying of weapons, including the application of certain weapons and handgun license laws to certain persons, the carrying of handguns by license holders on the property of a state hospital, and the liability for certain actions of volunteer emergency services personnel licensed to carry a handgun; providing a civil penalty.

TX HB2900

Relating to provisions governing the carrying of a firearm by a person who is not otherwise prohibited by state or federal law from possessing the firearm and to other provisions related to the carrying, possessing, transporting, or storing of a firearm; making conforming changes.

TX HB1238

TX HB296

Relating to the carrying of a firearm by a person who is not otherwise prohibited from possessing the firearm and to criminal offenses otherwise related to the carrying of a firearm; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB357

TX SB2224

Relating to provisions governing the carrying of a handgun or other firearm by a Texas resident who is 21 years of age or older and is not otherwise prohibited by state or federal law from possessing the firearm and to other provisions related to the carrying, possessing, transporting, or storing of a firearm and to handgun licensing; increasing criminal penalties; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB375

Relating to providing for the carrying of handguns without a license and to related offenses and penalties.