NRA-Backed Measures Up for Consideration in Texas Legislature

On Monday, February 26, the House Committee on Law Enforcement will consider three NRA-backed measures which will allow Concealed Handgun Licensees (CHLs) to transport and store handguns in their locked private motor vehicles while parked on their employer’s property: HB 220 by State Representative Phil King (R-Weatherford), HB 511 by State Representative David Farabee (D-Wichita Falls) and HB 992 by State Representative Patrick Rose (D-Dripping Springs).  Many employers in Texas have "No Firearms" policies that extend beyond the physical workplace to include parking lots, garages, and other parking areas under the employer’s control.  This effectively prohibits employees who are CHLs from protecting themselves in their parking area at work - and during their commute to and from work every day!  The committee will also consider HB 1037, by Representative Farabee, which extends the same protections to all employees (not just CHLs) and all firearms locked in private vehicles parked at work.  Please contact members of the House Law Enforcement Committee and urge them to support all four measures.  You can find contact information for committee members by visiting http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/Committees/Membership.aspx.

On Tuesday, February 27, the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence will consider HB 284, by State Representative Joe Driver (R-Garland), NRA-backed "Castle Doctrine" legislation that offers protection from criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits to individuals who justifiably use force to protect themselves and their families.  The bill also contains language stating that you have "no duty to retreat" from a violent attack that occurs outside your home.  Please contact members of the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee and urge them to support HB 284. Contact information for committee members is available at http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/Committees/Membership.aspx .

Finally, on Wednesday, February 28, the Senate Jurisprudence Committee will consider SB 378, by State Senator Jeff Wentworth (R-San Antonio), the Senate version of the NRA-backed "Castle Doctrine" bill.  Please contact Senate Jurisprudence Committee members and urge them to support SB 378.  Contact information for committee members is available at http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/Committees/Membership.aspx.