BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1649

By: Turner, Scott

Homeland Security & Public Safety

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Recently enacted legislation prohibited both public and private institutions of higher education from enforcing policies restricting a concealed handgun license holder's right to store or transport lawfully owned firearms and ammunition in the license holder's locked, private motor vehicle while on the institution's campus. Concerns have been raised that this protection is not inclusive of all individuals who lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition. H.B. 1649 seeks to address this concern.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1649 transfers Government Code provisions to the Education Code and amends those provisions to make the prohibition against a public, private, or independent institution of higher education adopting or enforcing any rule, regulation, or provision or taking any action prohibiting or placing restrictions on the storage or transportation of a firearm or ammunition in a locked, privately owned motor vehicle that is located on the campus of the institution by a concealed handgun license holder who lawfully possesses the firearm or ammunition applicable with respect to such storage or transportation by any person who lawfully possesses a firearm or ammunition.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2015.