House Bill No. 4201 amends the Texas Penal Code to clarify and modify the locations where handgun license holders are permitted to carry firearms. The bill specifically revises Section 46.03(a) to include provisions that allow licensed individuals to carry handguns on the premises of primary and secondary schools, as well as postsecondary educational institutions, under certain conditions. It also removes previous restrictions related to carrying firearms on the premises of postsecondary institutions and updates the language to reflect that these institutions can be either public or private. Additionally, the bill introduces new subsections that outline exceptions for individuals carrying handguns in a concealed manner or in a holster, thereby expanding the rights of licensed carriers in various locations.

Furthermore, the bill repeals several existing provisions that previously governed handgun carry laws, including specific subsections of Section 46.03 and Section 46.15, which may have imposed additional restrictions. The changes made by this Act will only apply to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that any offenses occurring prior to this date will be governed by the laws in effect at that time. Overall, the bill aims to streamline and clarify the regulations surrounding handgun carry rights in Texas.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 37.0814, Government Code 411.209, Penal Code 30.06, Penal Code 30.07, Penal Code 46.03, Penal Code 46.15 (Education Code 37, Government Code 411, Penal Code 46, Penal Code 30)
House Committee Report: Penal Code 46.03, Penal Code 46.15 (Education Code 37, Government Code 411, Penal Code 46, Penal Code 30)