By: Seliger S.B. No. 1324

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the authority to organize volunteer safety groups at churches, synagogues, and other places of religious worship.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter N, Chapter 1702, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Section 1702.333 to read as follows:

Sec. 1702.333. PLACE OF RELIGIOUS WORSHIP. (a) This chapter does not apply to a church, synagogue, or other established place of religious worship that forms a volunteer safety group, if each member of the safety group complies with Subsection (b) and:

(1) is a member of the place of religious worship;

(2) is approved by the leadership of the place of religious worship to serve on the safety group; and

(3) is licensed by the state to carry a concealed handgun under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code.

(b) When performing duties for a volunteer safety group under this section, a group member may not:

(1) wear a uniform, badge, patch, or other item that would give the member the appearance of being a law enforcement officer or security guard; or

(2) incorporate a word or phrase on any object in a manner that would give the member the appearance of being a law enforcement officer or security guard, including the use of the word "security."

SECTION 2. Subsection (b), Section 46.035, Penal Code, is amended to read as follows:

(b) A license holder commits an offense if the license holder intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries a handgun under the authority of Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, regardless of whether the handgun is concealed, on or about the license holder's person:

(1) on the premises of a business that has a permit or license issued under Chapter 25, 28, 32, 69, or 74, Alcoholic Beverage Code, if the business derives 51 percent or more of its income from the sale or service of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption, as determined by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission under Section 104.06, Alcoholic Beverage Code;

(2) on the premises where a high school, collegiate, or professional sporting event or interscholastic event is taking place, unless the license holder is a participant in the event and a handgun is used in the event;

(3) on the premises of a correctional facility;

(4) on the premises of a hospital licensed under Chapter 241, Health and Safety Code, or on the premises of a nursing home licensed under Chapter 242, Health and Safety Code, unless the license holder has written authorization of the hospital or nursing home administration, as appropriate;

(5) in an amusement park; or

(6) except as provided by Section 1702.333, Occupations Code, on the premises of a church, synagogue, or other established place of religious worship.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.