BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                     H.B. 3386

79R7724 KCR-D                                                                                          By: Talton (Armbrister)

Natural Resources

5/18/2005

Engrossed

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

S.B. 501 of the 78th Legislature, Regular Session, 2003, permitted a concealed handgun license (CHL) holder to enter the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) with a handgun.  However, Section 62.081, Parks and Wildlife Code, conflicts with this legislation, which prohibits the possession of weapons on or across LCRA land.

H.B. 3386 creates a statutory exemption to Section 62.081 that specifically allows a CHL holder to carry a handgun on LCRA land.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends the heading to Section 62.082, Parks and Wildlife Code, to read as follows:

Sec. 62.082.  TARGET RANGES, MANAGED HUNTS, AND OTHER EXCEPTIONS; RULES.

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 62.082, Parks and Wildlife Code, by amending Subsection (d) and adding Subsection (e), as follows:

(d)  Sets forth persons to whom Section 62.081 (Weapons Prohibited) does not apply.

(e)  Prohibits a state agency, including the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Department of Public Safety, and the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), from adopting a rule that prohibits a person who possesses a license issued under Subchapter H (License to Carry a Concealed Handgun), Chapter 411, Government Code, from entering or crossing the land of the LCRA under specific circumstances.

SECTION 3.  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 4.  Effective date: September 1, 2005.