Bill > S681

Introduced Session

This bill allows the governing body of a place of worship to establish a security program by selecting one person to carry a handgun for the purpose of protecting religious service attendees. The bill defines "place of worship" as a building, including but not limited to a church, mosque or synagogue, used primarily as a place of public or private worship on a permanent basis by a recognized and established religious sect or denomination registered as a not-for-profit under the federal Internal Revenue Code. Under the bill, the selected person would be required to participate in a firearms training course held by the Police Training Commission, the Director of Civilian Marksmanship, or a recognized rifle or pistol association that certifies instructors. The bill provides that the selected person may serve in a voluntary capacity or for monetary compensation. In addition, the selected person may transport the firearm directly to and from person's residence and the place of worship. The selected person would be subject to all other requirements imposed under current law regarding the right to carry a firearm. The bill would not prohibit a place of worship from hiring an armed security officer or allowing a law enforcement officer or other person entitled to carry a firearm at all times in this State from serving as the person selected for the security program. On November 5, 2017, a mass shooting occurred at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas during which 26 people were killed and 20 others were injured. The shooter, Devin Patrick Kelley, was shot twice by a civilian as he exited the church and was later found dead in his motor vehicle following a high speed chase. On October 27, 2018, a mass shooting occurred at the Tree of Life-Or L'Simcha Congregation synagogue in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, during which 11 people were killed and seven were injured. It was the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in the United States. It is the sponsor's intent to prohibit similar incidents from occurring by allowing places of worship to establish a security program.

Committee Categories

Tony Bucco (R)*,  Bob Singer (R),  Jean Stanfield (R), 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee (on 01/11/2022)

Official Document