AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Currently, an honorably retired peace officer is not allowed to purchase and keep as a keepsake the firearm issued to and used by the officer during the officer's tenure. The officer may have sentimental value invested in the firearm issued during his or her tenure.
H.B. 1379 authorizes an honorably retired peace officer to purchase one such firearm from the county that commissioned and initially issued the firearm to the officer.
H.B. 1379 amends current law relating to the purchasing of a firearm from the county by an honorably retired law enforcement officer.
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 Chapter 170, Local Government Code, by adding Section 170.002, as follows:
Sec. 170.002. PURCHASE OF FIREARM BY HONORABLY RETIRED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. (a) Authorizes an individual to purchase a firearm from a county if:
(1) the individual was a peace officer commissioned by the county who is honorably retired;
(2) the firearm had been previously issued to the individual by the county; and
(3) the firearm is not a prohibited weapon under Section 46.05 (Prohibited Weapons), Penal Code.
(b) Authorizes an individual to purchase only one firearm from a county under this section.
(c) Requires the county commissioners court to establish the amount, which may not exceed fair market value, for which a firearm may be purchased under this section.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2011.