The provisions of the bill addressed by this analysis would amend the Penal Code as it relates to displaying a firearm at or near a public demonstration. Under the provisions of the bill, displaying a firearm while at or near a public demonstration would be punishable as a class B misdemeanor, and, in certain circumstances, there would be a defense to prosecution for displaying a firearm while at or near a public demonstration. Under existing statute, disorderly conduct is punishable as a Class B or a Class C misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances of the offense.
A Class B misdemeanor is punishable by confinement in county jail for a term not to exceed 180 days and in addition to confinement, an optional fine not to exceed $2,000. A Class C misdemeanor is punishable by a fine not to exceed $500 (up to 180 days of deferred disposition and no confinement). This analysis assumes implementing the provisions of the bill would not result in a significant impact on the demand for state correctional resources.