Bill > HB1715

This bill requires that any contract for the use of property owned or leased by a governmental entity (which includes state agencies, courts, counties, municipalities, and other political subdivisions) must include a specific statement protecting the rights of handgun license holders. The mandatory contract language states that the contractor cannot prohibit a person with a valid handgun license from entering or remaining on the property, unless such carrying is otherwise prohibited by existing law (such as Section 46.03 of the Penal Code). The provisions will apply to new contracts and to existing contracts that are renewed, modified, or extended after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025. The bill defines "license holder" as someone carrying a handgun under Subchapter H, Chapter 411 of the Government Code, and allows property owners to still restrict handgun carriers in specific circumstances defined by existing legal statutes. By mandating this language, the bill aims to ensure that handgun license holders are not arbitrarily denied access to government-owned or leased properties.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1715