HBA-CMT H.B. 2353 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2353
By: Hupp
Public Safety
3/13/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Under current law, a person commits an offense if the person intentionally,
knowingly, or recklessly possesses a firearm on the physical premises of a
school or educational institution, any grounds or  building on which an
activity sponsored by a school or educational institution is being
conducted, or a passenger transportation vehicle of a school or educational
institution.  In light of recent school shootings, school districts have
been searching for ways to ensure the safety of students and school
personnel.  Many schools have installed metal detectors and hired armed
security guards to prevent such tragedies.  However, many rural school
districts do not have the resources to purchase metal detectors or hire
armed guards.  House Bill 2353 authorizes a school principal or
superintendent in a county with a population of less than 20,000 who is
licensed to carry a concealed handgun to possess a handgun on school
premises. 

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

House Bill 2353 amends the Penal Code to provide that provisions pertaining
to school or educational areas where it is unlawful and prohibited for a
person to carry a weapon or concealed handgun do not apply to a school
principal or superintendent in a county with a population of less than
20,000 who is licensed to carry a concealed handgun.  

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.