By: Thimesch H.B. No. 4639
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the carrying of a handgun in a motor vehicle or
watercraft.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 46.02(a-1), Penal Code, is amended to
read as follows:
(a-1) A person commits an offense if the person
intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on or about his or
her person a handgun in a motor vehicle or watercraft [that is owned
by the person or under the person's control] at any time in which:
(1) the handgun is in plain view, unless the person is
21 years of age or older or is licensed to carry a handgun under
Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, and the handgun is
carried in a holster; or
(2) the person is:
(A) engaged in criminal activity, other than a
Class C misdemeanor that is a violation of a law or ordinance
regulating traffic or boating; or
(B) prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2023.