HBA-NIK S.B. 131 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 131
By: Nelson
Public Safety
5/1/1999
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, Subchapter H (License to Carry a Concealed Handgun) , Chapter
411, Government Code, governs Texans' ability to carry a licensed concealed
handgun. Section 411.204 requires hospitals, nursing homes, and certain
businesses which derive more than 51 percent of their income from the sale
of alcoholic beverages for on-premise consumption to display a sign giving
notice in both English and Spanish that it is unlawful to carry a handgun
on the premises. An amendment to that section by the 75th Legislature,
Regular Session, 1997, added a requirement that the sign include on it's
face the number "51" printed in solid red, at least five inches in height.
S.B. 131 exempts hospitals and nursing homes from including the number "51"
on each sign to an entrance. 

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. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 411.204(b), Government Code, to provide that
other than the requirement that the sign include on its face the number
"51," a licensed hospital and a licensed nursing home are required to
prominently display at each entrance, as appropriate, a sign that complies
with the specified requirements. 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.