Over the last few years retailers have reported a significant increase in gun sales, and ammunition; therefore gun owners should be mindful of the secure placement, storage, and accessibility of their weapons. The State of Texas reports there were 425,590 CHL application issued in Texas during the period of 09/01/2014 through 08/31/2015. Only 2,098 applications were denied for the same period. There are currently well over 850,000 CHL holders in the State of Texas. Chief Broussard, “is pleading with all gun owners to be aware and not leave weapons inside vehicles where children could gain access”. “There have been incidents to occur where a parent left a child in a vehicle briefly; and returned to discover a tragedy involving a weapon”.
Texas Penal Code Sec. 46.13 “Making a Firearm Accessible to a Child”: (a) (3)
“Secure”: means to take steps that a reasonable person would take to prevent
the access to a readily dischargeable firearm by a child, including but not limited to placing a firearm in a locked container, or temporarily rendering the firearm inoperable by a trigger lock or other means.
(b) A person commits an offense if a child gains access to a readily dischargeable
firearm and the person with criminal negligence:
1) failed to secure the firearm; or
2) left the firearm in a place to which the person knew, or should have known the
child would gain access.
A person commits a class (A) misdemeanor if a child discharges a firearm and causes death or serious bodily injury to himself or another person.
CHL/LTC “Open Carry” rules for CHURCHES:
Some churches do permit a person with a “CHL” to carry their weapons concealed, but not “openly carry” on church property”.
Note Churches: have the option to allow, or prohibit guns on their premises; this is left up to the individual church congregation. Written communication (a card), or posted signage is required at the property entrance visible to the public; signs shall be written in English and Spanish.
We are discovering that there are many new gun owners, and want to share tips to help those that have never been around guns. The impact of guns around children can be a very traumatic and life changing event if not properly secured or stored.
