Places You Can’t Carry a Firearm in Texas

August 7, 2011

By Dallas and Collin County Criminal Defense Lawyer Jeremy Rosenthal

(972) 562-7549

texasdefensefirm.com

Texas Penal Code 46.03 is titled, “Places Weapons Prohibited” and specifically lists the places you can’t carry a firearm under Texas law.

Though the most complete list with the entire text is provided in the link to the statute above, prohibited places include both public and private schools, polling places when voting is in progress, government offices, and secure areas of airports.

Other, less obvious places include racetracks and within 1,000 feet of premises designated by the Texas Department of Criminal justice on a day that a death sentence is to be imposed.

Currently, under Tex.Pen.C. 46.03(f), it is not an affirmative defense to these offenses if the person carries a concealed handgun pursuant to Subchapter H, Chapter 411 of the Government code.  Proposed amendments to this provision which would have allowed concealed weapons on college campuses failed during the recent Texas legislative session.

Offenses under this chapter are third degree felonies.

*Jeremy Rosenthal is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and licensed by the Supreme Court of Texas. Nothing in this article is intended to be legal advice.  For legal advice as to any specific situation you should contact an attorney directly.