Effective 9/1/13 -
"SECTIONA1.AAChapter 2155, Occupations Code
SUBCHAPTER C. FIREARMS POLICY NOTICE
Sec.A2155.101.AADEFINITION. In this subchapter, "hotel" has the meaning assigned by Section 156.001, Tax Code.
Sec.A2155.102.AAPPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER. This subchapter applies only to a hotel that has a policy prohibiting or restricting the possession, storage, or transportation of firearms by hotel guests.
Sec.A2155.103.AANOTICE REGARDING FIREARMS POLICY.
(a) A hotel shall include on the hotel ’s Internet reservation website the hotel ’s policy regarding the possession, storage, and transportation of firearms.
(b)AA If a hotel provides a written confirmation or a written statement of terms and conditions to a consumer after accepting the consumer ’s hotel reservation by telephone, the hotel shall include information specifying how the consumer may review applicable guest policies. The guest policies must indicate the hotel ’s policy regarding the possession, storage, and transportation of firearms by guests.
(c)AAA hotel owner or keeper commits an offense if the person does not comply with this section. An offense under this subsection is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $100."
Where to report violations? What agency is responsible for enforcement?
Why do I care? I have received an invitation to a seminar being held at the Galleria Doubletree. I used the Hotel website to send an inquiry asking if the Hotel was posted 30.06. I received a response directing me to e-mail a member of the hotel staff. I did. The response was "It is our policy to follow all city, state and federal laws regarding firearms. Please let me know if I can provide any additional information."
I replied and asked the original question again and was told that I needed to contact a different member of the staff via e-mail. I did. The response said I should call the Director of Rooms. I did. Twice. Got voicemail and left message but no return call. I got his cell number and called that and he answered and when I asked the question he told me to "call corporate". I asked to whom I needed to speak, he said "call corporate". I asked what number, he said it was on the web site.
Now somewhat irritated
I called the Hotel back and asked for the Manager. I asked him the same question. He was evasive and asked "who I was with". I happen to be on a Talk Radio program that my wife and I host on Saturdays but I told him I was just calling for my own information. He asked 'why' I wanted to know and I explained about the seminar. He asked when the seminar was and I said I didn't remember at the moment and he said he doubted someone could be invited to a seminar and not recall the date. Then he asked the name of the event and I couldn't recall it exactly either so I gave him the subject matter. He said they had no such event booked at the hotel. He was acting all squirrely and suspicious. In the end he told me to submit a written request to his e-mail address. So three e-mails and three phone calls later and I still cannot get an answer to the simple question of do they post 30.06.
I sent him the requested e-mail request along with a copy of my confirmed reservation for the Seminar, a copy of 30.06 and a copy of Chap 2155. No response yet.
If they do post 30.06 I will cancel my seminar attendance and tell the sponsor why I am doing so. It is one of those give a little knowledge and try to sell you something events so maybe the sponsor will care.
Soooooo... if it turns out they do post 30.06 and as it is not on their web site as required by law, to whom do I complain so they can get their $100 citation and all the hassle that goes with that??
I was and am very polite with anyone I contact on this issue who is on the wrong side... I was even nice to the Hotel Manager who did everything but flat call me a liar that I had a reservation at an event in his Hotel... I do tend to vent a bit here... Guess the frustration has to come out somewhere... 