Under present law, possession of a weapon in a building or on property that is posted as "no firearms allowed", or possession of a weapon in a building or on property that is posted "concealed firearms by permit only" without a permit, is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $500. In addition to the fine, if the violator possessed a handgun permit, the department of safety is required to suspend or revoke the permit. This bill removes the criminal penalty and the requirement for permit suspension or revocation. This bill also replaces present law that specifies particular signage in order for a building or property to be properly posted with general authorization for an individual, corporation, business entity, or local, state, or federal government entity or agent thereof to post signage in prominent locations advising patrons that anyone possessing a firearm on the premises may be denied admission onto the premises or required to leave the premises by the owner or manager.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39-17-1352(a)(6), 39-17-1352, 39-17-1358(b), 39-17-1358, 39-17-1359