Honorable Joan Huffman, Chair, Senate Committee on State Affairs
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB17 by Estes (Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry a holstered handgun; creating a criminal offense; providing penalties.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend various codes to authorize individuals to obtain a license to carry openly a holstered handgun in all the places that allow the licensed carrying of a concealed handgun. The bill would also amend the Government Code to authorize the Department of Public Safety to issue a license to carry an unconcealed holstered handgun, using the same criteria currently in place for a concealed handgun license. It is assumed implementing the provisions of the bill could be absorbed within current appropriation levels. The bill would take effect September 1, 2015.
Local Government Impact
The bill would create a Class A misdemeanor. A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $4,000, confinement in jail for a term not to exceed one year, or both. Costs associated with enforcement, prosecution, and confinement could likely be absorbed within existing resources. Revenue from fines imposed and collected is not anticipated to have a significant fiscal impact.