HBA-MSH S.B. 819 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 819 By: Armbrister Public Safety 5/5/2001 Engrossed BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In recent years, a variety of political subdivisions have implemented ordinances, policies, or rules to prohibit the licensed carrying of handguns on property or premises under control of that entity. A recent attorney general opinion states that the power to regulate firearms on certain property or premises, except as otherwise provided by federal law, is granted solely to the state legislature, not to political subdivisions. Senate Bill 819 provides that it is not an offense for a license holder to carry a handgun on government property and grants exclusive authority to regulate the carrying of a handgun to the legislature. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS Senate Bill 819 amends the Penal Code to provide that it is not an offense for a person that has a license to carry a concealed handgun to carry a handgun on government property. The bill amends the Government Code to provide that the legislature has the exclusive authority to regulate the carrying of a handgun. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2001.