The provisions of the bill addressing felony sanctions are the subject of this analysis. The bill would amend the Penal Code as it relates to carrying a weapon on the premises of a government court or offices utilized by the court. Under the provisions of the bill, a person would not commit an offense as outlined in the bill if the person has the written authorization of any court located on the premises. Unlawful carrying of weapons in prohibited places is punishable as a third degree felony.

A third degree felony is punishable by confinement in prison for a term from 2 to 10 years and, in addition to confinement, may be subject to an optional fine not to exceed $10,000. 

Reducing the places where weapons are prohibited is expected to result in fewer demands upon the correctional resources of counties or of the State due to a decrease in the number of individuals placed under supervision in the community or sentenced to a term of confinement within state correctional institutions. In fiscal year 2018, 431 people were arrested, 31 people were placed under felony direct community supervision, and 11 people were admitted into state correctional institutions for unlawful carrying of a weapon in prohibited places that did not include alcohol premises. This analysis assumes the provisions of the bill addressing felony sanctions would not result in a significant impact on state correctional populations or the demand for state correctional resources.