Gun Policies at the LEA
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Jan 5, 2016, Comments Off
Courtesy Jorge Quijano,
(Laredo, Tcxas)-Beginning with the WWE Smackdown event on January 5, 2016, the Laredo Energy Arena will implement additional security measures at all future events in regards to the bills passed by legislature related to handgun possessions.
“We have taken the proper measures by displaying notices around the arena,” said Xavier Villalon, General Manager of the SMG – Managed Laredo Energy Arena. “Under the new law, the Laredo Energy Arena has the right to prohibit open carried and concealed handguns on our premises. The Laredo Energy Arena and the Laredo Police Department continue to work together to ensure the safety of everyone who attends the events.”
The notices of our policies are as follow:
1) Pursuant to Section 30.06, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with a concealed handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter the property of the LEA with a concealed handgun.9
2) Pursuant to Section 30.07, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with an openly carried handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter the property of the LEA with a handgun that is carried openly.10
3) Texas Government Code §411.204 – TABC – It is unlawful for a person to carry a handgun on this premise, including a person licensed under subchapter H, Chapter 411 of the Government Code. 1
In its most recent session, the Texas legislature passed bills related to handgun possession in Texas. House Bill No. 910 (HB 910) legalizes open carry of handguns in Texas.
The most important aspect of HB 910 is its change to Texas law regarding the carrying of handguns in Texas. Since 1995, handgun license holders in Texas have been able to carry a handgun as long as the handgun is concealed.
Effective January 1, 2016, holders of a handgun license in Texas may lawfully carry their handguns in an open manner as long as the handgun is secured in a shoulder or belt holster. A handgun license holder also retains the option of carrying a handgun in a concealed manner.
The major thrust of HB 910 was to amend no fewer than 12 of the named Texas Codes to take out the modifying word “concealed” and leave only the word “handgun.” Thus, for example, starting on January 1, 2016, a person will hold a “handgun license” and not a “concealed handgun license.”
“The safety of our employees and customers always come first,” said Villalon. “These measures are part of larger security efforts to improve such safety.”
