BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 550

By: Springer

Homeland Security & Public Safety

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There have been calls to simplify the "shoulder or belt" holster requirement for individuals openly carrying a handgun under the authority of their handgun license. It has been argued that this requirement causes confusion about lawful conduct, undermines self-defense, and does not serve a rational purpose. S.B. 550 seeks to remove specifications regarding the manner in which a handgun must be holstered so as to allow Texans to make their own choice about the best way to carry their handgun and protect themselves.

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

S.B. 550 amends the Penal Code to revise provisions relating to the holstering of a handgun by a handgun license holder to remove the specification that the holster be a shoulder or belt holster.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.