TX
Texas Senate Bill SB870

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB870

Filed
1/22/25  
Out of Senate Committee
4/7/25  
Voted on by Senate
4/24/25  
Out of House Committee
5/2/25  
Voted on by House
5/6/25  
Governor Action
5/19/25  

Caption

Relating to the open carrying of a handgun by a uniformed school marshal.

Impact

The most significant impact of SB 870 is the alteration of how firearms can be carried by designated personnel on school grounds, with an emphasis on allowing for openly carried handguns in addition to concealed ones. This reflects a broader push within Texas to enhance school safety measures through armed personnel. The bill's implementation is slated to begin with the 2025-2026 school year, indicating the state's commitment to the measure while allowing time for preparations at the local school level.

Summary

Senate Bill 870 aims to amend the Texas Education Code to allow school marshals appointed by school boards to openly carry handguns on school premises under specific regulations. The bill grants authority to school marshals, both in public and private educational institutions, to carry or possess handguns as long as they adhere to written regulations set by the governing bodies. These regulations must ensure the handguns are carried in designated manners and require the use of frangible duty ammunition approved by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 870 appears to be highly divided. Supporters, including certain lawmakers, argue that having visibly armed school marshals will deter potential threats and enhance student safety. Conversely, opponents express concern about the implications of having firearms more visibly present in educational environments, fearing it could lead to increased risks rather than improved safety. This polarization reflects broader national conversations about gun legislation and school safety practices.

Contention

Key points of contention in the discussions around SB 870 include the balance between creating a safe educational environment and the risks associated with more firearms in schools. Critics question whether the bill might inadvertently lead to increased incidents of gun-related violence or accidents within school settings. Furthermore, differing opinions on gun rights and school safety reflect ongoing societal debates regarding the intersection of education, security, and personal freedom in the context of firearms.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 37. Discipline; Law And Order
    • Section: 0811
    • Section: 0813
    • Section: 0811
    • Section: 0813
    • Section: 0811
    • Section: 0813
    • Section: 0811
    • Section: 0813
    • Section: 0811
    • Section: 0813
    • Section: 0811
    • Section: 0813
    • Section: 0811
    • Section: 0813
    • Section: 0811
    • Section: 0813
  • Chapter 51. Provisions Generally Applicable To Higher Education
    • Section: 220
    • Section: 220
    • Section: 220
    • Section: 220
    • Section: 220
    • Section: 220
    • Section: 220
    • Section: 220

Companion Bills

TX HB3924

Identical Relating to the open carrying of a handgun by a uniformed school marshal.

TX HB5054

Same As Relating to the open carrying of a handgun by a uniformed school marshal.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4007

Relating to the open carrying of a handgun by a uniformed school marshal.

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 SB709

Relating to school marshals, including eligibility for appointment as a school marshal, licensure and training requirements, and school marshal uniforms or badges.

TX HB2281

Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to prohibit openly carrying a handgun within the municipality.

TX SB2407

Relating to licensure and training requirements for school marshals.

TX SB1475

Relating to licensure and training requirements for school marshals.

TX HB4470

Relating to school marshals, including eligibility for appointment as a school marshal, and licensure and training requirements.

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 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 SB205

Relating to the carrying of handguns on the campuses of and certain other locations associated with institutions of higher education.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.