BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.B. 2027
79R12189 KCR-D By: Hilderbran (Armbrister)
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Current Texas law permits the discharge of firearms and bows into or on the beds or banks of rivers and streams in certain counties.
H.B. 2027 makes it an offense to discharge a firearm or shoot an arrow from any kind of bow, if the person is located in a specific area. It also restricts hunting of any species, except migratory birds or other specific species that are normally hunted with a shotgun. H.B. 2027 also prohibits target practice in those specific areas with a rifle or handgun.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Title 7, Parks and Wildlife Code, by adding Chapter 284, as follows:
CHAPTER 284. DIMMIT, EDWARDS, FRIO, KENEDY, KERR, KIMBLE, LLANO,
MASON, MAVERICK, REAL, UVALDE, AND ZAVALA COUNTIES
Sec. 284.001. DISCHARGE OF FIREARM PROHIBITED. (a) Defines "firearm" and "navigable river or stream."
(b) Sets forth navigable rivers or streams to which this section applies.
(c) Prohibits a person from discharging a firearm or shooting an arrow from any kind of bow in certain situations, except as provided by Subsection (d).
(d) Sets forth the individuals and situations for which this section does not apply.
(e) Provides that this section does not limit the ability of a license holder to carry a concealed handgun under the authority of Subchapter H (License to Carry a Concealed Handgun), Chapter 411, Government Code.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2005.