Texas Legislation introduced in

the 80th Legislature

HB 233, by Ritter
Categories: Concealed carry. Status: Signed 5/24/07, Effective September 1, 2007.

Relating to a waiver of concealed handgun license fees for certain members and veterans of the military.

As amended waives CHL fees for active duty military, and waives fees for honorably discharged veterans who apply within one year. Also reduces by 50% fees for veterans over one year.
 

HB 991, by Rose
Categories: Concealed carry. Status: Signed 5/23/07, Effective immediately

Relating to the confidentiality of certain records maintained by the Department of Public Safety regarding persons licensed to carry a concealed handgun.

Eliminates the procedure for just anyone to find out whether a person has a CHL by requesting the information from DPS. Law enforcement agencies can still check. Identical to SB 122.
 

HB 1815, by Isett, Carl
Categories: Possession. Status: Signed 6/15/07, Effective September 1, 2007.

Relating to the prosecution of certain offenses that involve carrying weapons on a person's property or in a person's vehicle.

Allows carrying a handgun on your premises or premises under your control, carry between your premises and your car, and concealed carry in your car or a car under your control. Doesn't allow carry when you are breaking a law (except for a traffic law) or if you are prohibited from possessing a firearm or a member of a criminal street gang. "Premises" includes real property or a recreational vehicle.
 

HB 1839, by Bonnen
Categories: Concealed handgun. Status: Signed 6/15/07, Effective September 1, 2007.

Relating to the requirements for renewal of a license to carry a concealed handgun.

After the third renewal CHLs would only have to take the renewal class and proficiency exam every ten years. They would still have to renew every five years.
   

HB 2112, by Patrick
Categories: Concealed carry/Possession. Status: Signed 6/15/07, Effective September 1, 2007.

Relating to the prosecution of an offense prohibiting the exhibition, use, or threatened exhibition or use of a firearm in or on school property or a school bus.

Makes it illegal to exhibit or use a firearm on school parking lots or in school busses or vans in a way that causes alarm or injury, or harms property.
   

SB 112, by Carona
Categories: Possession. Status: Signed 4/27/07, Effective immediately.

Relating to the confiscation of firearms and ammunition during a state of disaster.

Prohibits the seizure or confiscation of any firearm or ammunition from an individual who is lawfully carrying or possessing the firearm or ammunition during a disaster. Police may temporarily disarm a person if the officer reasonably believes it is immediately necessary but must return the firearm and ammunition when the person is no longer detained unless the person is arrested or the firearm is siezed as evidence. See HB 258.
 

SB 322, by Deuell
Categories: Possession. Status: Signed 6/16/07, Effective immediately.

Relating to possession of firearms and ammunition in certain foster homes.

Lawful possession of firearms and ammunition may not be prohibited in foster homes. Minimum safe storage requirements may be adopted. Identical to HB 1263.
 

SB 378, by Wentworth
Categories: Self defense. Status: Signed 3/27/07, Effective September 1, 2007.

Relating to the use of force or deadly force in defense of a person.

Removes the requirement to retreat before using force if the other person is entering your home, auto, or workplace. In most cases removes the requirement to retreat before using deadly force. The force used must still be justified. Provides an affirmative defense against civil suits for justified self-defense, and provides that you can recover legal costs if someone sues you and looses. Identical to HB 103 and HB 284.
 

SB 535, by Hegar
Categories: Concealed carry. Status: Signed 6/15/07, Effective September 1, 2007.

Relating to the possession or shooting of a handgun on the land of the Lower Colorado River Authority by a person licensed to carry a concealed handgun.

Prohibits LCRA from adopting rules against concealed carry or self-defense.
   

SB 1470, by Seliger
Categories: Possession. Status: Signed 5/17/07, Effective September 1, 2007.

Relating to the notice given to certain offenders of prohibitions under federal and state law.

Requires that persons convicted of family violence misdemeanors be notified they can't possess firearms.
 

SB 1709, by Hegar
Categories: Concealed carry. Status: Signed 6/16/07, Effective September 1, 2007.

Relating to procedures to limit the carrying of handguns by persons other than peace officers on certain premises used for law enforcement.

Gives peace officers the right to disarm persons entering a non-public, secure area of a law enforcement facility and requires peace officers to return the gun when the persons leave the facility. Requires that a sign to that effect be posted on all doors into the secured area. Identical to SB 3635.