BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1143

By: Hefner

Public Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been noted that while public school districts and open‑enrollment charter schools are not allowed to prohibit a handgun license holder from storing firearms and ammunition in a locked vehicle, some schools are implementing regulations regarding such storage. H.B. 1143 seeks to guarantee handgun license holders the freedom to decide where to store their firearms or ammunition.      

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1143 amends the Education Code to prohibit a public school district or an open-enrollment charter school from regulating the manner in which a handgun or other firearm or ammunition that is not in plain view is stored by a handgun license holder in a locked, privately owned or leased motor vehicle in a parking lot, parking garage, or other parking area provided by the district or charter school. The bill applies beginning with the 2019-2020 school year.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2019.