Texas Lawmakers Considering New Gun Legislation

As the 89th legislative session continues in Austin, lawmakers are looking at new gun legislation.

One bill under consideration is whether or not short-barrel rifles should still be on the list of the state's prohibited firearms. Senate Bill 1596 cleared committee with a 9-2 vote, and is now headed to the full Texas Senate for consideration.

In addition, House Bill 259 is a similar bill running parallel. Representatives in the Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans’ Affairs Committee will hear from both sides on the topic on Monday.

Also at the Capitol, there is legislation that would prohibit any gun bans on government-owned property. The proposal is in direct response to last fall's firearms ban at the Texas State Fair.

Texas AG Ken Paxton was unsuccessful in several attempts to get that ban removed. State Fair Park is owned by the city of Dallas, but leased to the State Fair. Now State Senator Bob Hall of Rockwall has introduced a bill that would fine any contractor attempting to prohibit licensed gun owners from carrying a firearm on government-owned property. Hall says the restrictions at the State Fair undermine state law and Second Amendment rights.