BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2241

By: Murr

Homeland Security & Public Safety

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note that while many courthouses have a high level of security, some courthouses in rural Texas are not as well protected. These parties assert that this state of affairs leaves certain employees exposed to danger in a building where tensions often run high. H.B. 2241 seeks to provide these employees with the opportunity to protect themselves and others should a dangerous situation arise.

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. 2241 amends the Penal Code to establish a defense to prosecution for intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly possessing or going with a firearm, illegal knife, club, or prohibited weapon on the premises of any government court or offices utilized by the court that the actor was a county officer who possessed or carried a concealed handgun that the person was licensed to carry or that the actor was a county employee who possessed or carried a concealed handgun that the person was licensed to carry and received express permission to possess or carry the handgun from the commissioners court of the county that employed the person and the county officer or department head who directly supervised the person.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2015.