Honorable James White, Chair, House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety
FROM:
Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB20 by Campbell (Relating to carrying and storing a handgun or handgun ammunition by a hotel guest.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Occupations Code to prohibit a hotel from adopting a firearms policy prohibiting a hotel guest from carrying and storing a handgun or handgun ammunition. The bill would also amend the Penal Code to provide a certain defense to prosecution for various criminal trespass offenses (all either Class A, B, or C misdemeanors) that the defendant is a guest of a hotel and that the defendant carried or stored a handgun or ammunition on or about the hotel property.
The Office of Court Administration anticipates no significant fiscal impact to the state court system. This analysis assumes implementing the provisions of the bill addressing sanctions for criminal offenses would not result in a significant impact on state correctional agencies.
Local Government Impact
According to the Texas Association of Counties, no significant fiscal implication to counties is anticipated.
A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $4,000, confinement in jail for a term not to exceed one year, or both. A Class B misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $2,000, confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 180 days, or both. A Class C misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $500. Lost revenue from reduced fines imposed and collected is not anticipated to have a significant fiscal impact.