Honorable Phil King, Chair, House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB1408 by Huffines (Relating to the carrying of a handgun by certain first responders and volunteer emergency services personnel.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to stipulate a governmental unit is not liable in a civil action arising from the discharge of a handgun by an individual who is volunteer emergency services personnel and licensed to carry a handgun. The bill would also amend the Government Code to require the Director of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to establish certain minimum standards for a training course that a first responder who is a license holder may complete to receive a certificate of completion from DPS. The bill would also proscribe a governmental entity that employs or otherwise supervises first responders from adopting a rule or regulation that prohibits a first responder who holds a license to carry a handgun and who has received a certificate of completion from the required training course noted above, from carrying a concealed handgun while on duty or storing a handgun on the premises of the place of employment.
It is assumed any costs associated with implementing the bill could be absorbed within existing resources.
The bill would take effect September 1, 2017.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.