SRC-PNG S.B. 1322 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1322 By: Wentworth Intergovernmental Relations 4/20/1999 As Filed DIGEST Currently, under Texas law, commissioners courts have the authority to prohibit the discharge of a firearm on a tract of 10 acres or less. However, most modern firearms have a range that far exceeds the distance covered by a 10-acre tract in any configuration. This bill would authorize commissioners courts to prohibit the discharge of a firearm on a tract of 20 acres or less. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1322 authorizes commissioners courts to prohibit the discharge of a firearm on a tract of 20 acres or less. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 240.021, Local Government Code, as follows: Sec. 240.021. New heading: APPLICABILITY. Provides that this subchapter applies only to a tract or parcel of property all or part of which is located in the unincorporated area of a county. Deletes text providing that this subchapter applies only to a subdivision all or a part of which is located in the unincorporated area of a county and for which a plat is required to be prepared and filed under Chapter 232. SECTION 2. Amends Section 240.022, Local Government Code, to authorize the commissioners court of a county by order to prohibit or otherwise regulate the discharge of a firearm on a tract that is 20 acres or less, rather than 10 acres or less, located in the unincorporated area of the county. Effective date: 90 days after adjournment.