Honorable Joan Huffman, Chair, Senate Committee on State Affairs
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB273 by Campbell (Relating to certain offenses relating to carrying concealed handguns on property owned or leased by a governmental entity; providing a civil penalty.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would prevent a state agency or political subdivision from communicating to a concealed handgun license holder carrying a handgun that he or she is prohibited from carrying a handgun on the premises if such conduct is not prohibited by Section 46.03 or 46.035, Penal Code.
The bill would also provide for civil penalties of $1,000 to $1,500 for a first offense and $10,000 to $10,500 for subsequent violations. Each day of a continuing violation would be a separate violation.
The bill would require the attorney general to investigate a complaint on behalf of a citizen of this state or an individual licensed to carry a concealed handgun if the individual so requests and presents evidence that his or her right to carry a concealed handgun was violated under this section. The attorney general or appropriate county or district attorney would be permitted to sue the responsible state agency or subdivision. After recovering reasonable expenses incurred by the attorney general, any civil penalty collected under this section would be deposited to the credit of the compensation to victims of crime fund.
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) reported the bill would have a positive impact for the Compensation to Victims of Crime Fund; however, OAG does not anticipate that this revenue will be significant. OAG reported any legal work associated with this bill would be absorbed with existing resources.
Local Government Impact
A local government would be accountable for the civil penalties established by the bill; however, these costs would depend on the number of cases, if any, and would apply only in the event of noncompliance.