BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1126

By: Bell, Cecil

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been suggested that there is ambiguity in state law regarding the liability of certain businesses that allow a handgun license holder with a concealed handgun on the business' premises. H.B. 1126 seeks to provide clarity regarding this issue by granting immunity from civil liability to these businesses under certain circumstances. 

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. 1126 amends the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to exempt a person with control over the premises of a business who allows entry on the premises by a handgun license holder with a concealed handgun from liability based solely on that permission for damages arising from the lawful carrying of a concealed handgun on the premises. For the purposes of this exemption, the lack of an oral or written communication that constitutes notice that entry on the property by a license holder with a concealed handgun is forbidden is sufficient to constitute allowing entry on the premises by a license holder with a concealed handgun. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.