By: Thimesch H.B. No. 4639
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the carrying of a handgun in a motor vehicle or
  watercraft.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 46.02(a-1), Penal Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (a-1)  A person commits an offense if the person
  intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on or about his or
  her person a handgun in a motor vehicle or watercraft [that is owned
  by the person or under the person's control] at any time in which:
               (1)  the handgun is in plain view, unless the person is
  21 years of age or older or is licensed to carry a handgun under
  Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, and the handgun is
  carried in a holster; or
               (2)  the person is:
                     (A)  engaged in criminal activity, other than a
  Class C misdemeanor that is a violation of a law or ordinance
  regulating traffic or boating; or
                     (B)  prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2023.