TX
Texas House Bill HB2366

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2366

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

Caption

Relating to the applicability to election judges of a prohibition on the carrying of a concealed handgun at a polling place.

Impact

The introduction of HB2366 is poised to directly affect the existing regulations surrounding firearm possession in polling places. By clarifying that election judges and certain clerks can carry concealed weapons, the bill seeks to ensure that those individuals are not prohibited from doing so while executing their responsibilities. This change may reassure some voters and election officials regarding their safety at polling venues, thereby potentially influencing voter turnout and confidence in the electoral process.

Summary

House Bill 2366 pertains to the ability of election judges and early voting clerks to carry concealed handguns at polling places in Texas. The bill amends the Penal Code by providing a specific exemption for those licensed to carry a handgun, allowing them to carry while fulfilling their duties as election officials. This legislative change aims to enhance the security of polling places by permitting qualified personnel to carry concealed firearms, under certain conditions, while performing their official functions during elections.

Contention

The bill may generate various points of contention regarding public safety and gun rights. Proponents of the bill argue that allowing election judges to carry firearms enhances the protection of voters and officials alike, especially in light of increasing concerns about electoral security. Conversely, opponents may express fears that this could lead to heightened tensions and risks of firearm-related incidents at polling locations. The debate surrounding HB2366 reflects broader discussions about the presence of firearms in public spaces and their implications for community safety.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Penal Code

  • Chapter 46. Weapons
    • Section: 15

Election Code

  • Chapter 32. Election Judges And Clerks
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 83. Officer Conducting Early Voting
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 85. Conduct Of Voting By Personal Appearance
    • Section: New Section

Government Code

  • Chapter 411. Department Of Public Safety Of The State Of Texas
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX HB1128

Duplicate Relating to the applicability to election judges of a prohibition on the carrying of a concealed handgun at a polling place.

Previously Filed As

TX HB636

Relating to the applicability to election judges of a prohibition on the carrying of a concealed handgun at a polling place.

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 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 SB1169

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

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 SB599

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

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 SB714

Relating to civil liability of a business in connection with prohibiting concealed handguns on the business premises.

TX HB312

Relating to the criminal offense of carrying a handgun while intoxicated.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.