BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 1143
86R8466 JSC-D	By: Hefner et al. (Hughes)
	State Affairs
	5/16/2019
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

It has been noted that while public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools are not allowed to prohibit a handgun license holder from storing firearms and ammunition in a locked vehicle, some schools are implementing regulations regarding such storage. H.B. 1143 seeks to guarantee handgun license holders the freedom to decide where to store their firearms or ammunition.

H.B. 1143 amends current law relating to the transportation or storage of a handgun or other firearm or ammunition by a handgun license holder in a school parking area.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 37.0815(a), Education Code, as follows:

(a) Prohibits a school district or open-enrollment charter school from prohibiting a person, including a school employee, who holds a license to carry a handgun under Subchapter H (License to Carry a Handgun), Chapter 411, Government Code, from transporting or storing a handgun or other firearm or ammunition in a locked, privately owned or leased motor vehicle in a parking lot, parking garage, or other parking area provided by the district or charter school and prohibits the district or charter school from regulating the manner in which the handgun, firearm, or ammunition is stored in the vehicle, provided that the handgun, firearm, or ammunition is not in plain view.

SECTION 2. Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 2019�2020 school year.

SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2019.