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.