BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1387

By: Harris

Human Services

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerns have been raised that the regulations on weapon storage in foster care homes are too burdensome, requiring any firearms and ammunition to be stored in separate locked cases and requiring some firearms to be secured with certain trigger-locking devices. Advocates suggest that eliminating these storage requirements may remove a disincentive for many potential foster parents and make the prospect of foster parenting more appealing, thereby leading to greater opportunities for placement of children in foster care. H.B. 1387 seeks to encourage additional foster care opportunities while maintaining second amendment rights by eliminating certain firearm and ammunition storage requirements for foster homes. 

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. 1387 amends the Human Resources Code to remove the requirement that the minimum standards adopted for the safety and proper storage of firearms and ammunition in certain foster homes allow firearms and ammunition to be stored separately unless the firearms are stored with a trigger locking device attached to the firearm. The bill requires the minimum standards instead to allow firearms and ammunition to be stored together in the same locked location.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.