The bill would amend the Penal Code as it relates to the unlawful carrying of a firearm by a licensee. Under the provisions of the bill, it would be an exception to the application of the offense that the handgun is in a holster and the handgun and licensee were in a motor vehicle. The bill would take effect September 1, 2019 and would apply only to an offense committed on or after January 1, 2020. An offense committed under this subsection is punished as a Class A misdemeanor.

A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by confinement in county jail for a term not to exceed one year and, in addition to confinement, an optional fine not to exceed $4,000. This analysis assumes the provisions of the bill addressing sanctions for a criminal offense would not result in a significant impact on the demand for state correctional resources.