Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1739

Filed

1/6/25

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to the notice given by a property owner prohibiting certain persons from carrying certain firearms on the property.

Impact

This bill impacts existing laws around trespassing, particularly in relation to how property owners can enact security from firearm carriers. By establishing clearer guidelines on signage, HB1739 seeks to strengthen property owners' rights while potentially reducing confusion around where firearms are prohibited. The modifications to the notice requirements may lead to increased legal clarity for law enforcement and property owners alike, fostering a more uniform approach to firearm prohibitions across various properties.

Summary

House Bill 1739 aims to amend the Texas Penal Code regarding the notice property owners must give to prohibit carrying certain firearms on their premises. The bill specifies the requirements for signage that communicates the prohibition of firearms effectively. This includes stipulations such as the language being posted in both English and Spanish, using distinct colors, and ensuring that the signs are highly visible to the public. The objective of these amendments is to enhance clarity regarding firearm prohibitions on private property.

Contention

Notably, while the bill purports to streamline the process for property owners, there may be points of contention regarding enforcement and interpretation of the updated signage guidelines. Critics could argue about the implications it has on the rights of firearm holders and the potential for misunderstandings should signage not meet the specified criteria. Furthermore, there may be debates surrounding the balance between property rights and public safety, particularly in contexts where firearm possession is a contentious issue.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB355

Relating to the notice given by a property owner prohibiting certain persons from carrying certain firearms on the property.

TX HB3036

Firearms; deleting restrictions for carrying handguns on certain property; effective date.

TX HB1132

Prohibit the use of property and personnel in the enforcement of certain federal laws pertaining to firearms.

TX HB1581

Allowing municipalities to adopt a requirement that property owners be given notice when the assessed value of their property changes by certain amounts.

TX SB1235

Personal property; prohibiting municipality, county, and state from seizing certain personal property. Emergency.

TX SB2556

Relating to regulating the carrying of firearms on or within publicly owned fairgrounds and similar public facilities during certain events; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB3199

Relating to the requirement that certain ad valorem tax-related notices be delivered to a property owner by certified mail.

TX SB633

Relating to certain offenses associated with possessing, carrying, exhibiting, or using a firearm on or within 1,000 feet of school property.

TX HB4141

Relating to certain offenses that are associated with possessing, carrying, exhibiting, or using a firearm on or within 1,000 feet of school property.

TX S2752

Changes perimeter for bow and arrow hunting around certain buildings; requires property owner to provide notice and obtain receipt from owners of adjacent properties of any hunting activity; designated as "Restoring Safety Buffer Law."