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We have to understand what this bill is actually for.
As it is now, (pre HB896) the law defines places that you cannot carry legally. It also gives owners the option of barring carrying on their property. Both of these are defined as "premises".
For example, you cannot carry on the “premises� of a business that derives 51% or more of their income from on premises alcohol consumption; you cannot carry on the “premises� of a hospital IF it is posted with a 30.06 sign; You cannot carry on the “premises� of a school; etc.
The law goes on to define what “premises� means. In the law it is NOT the parking area, sidewalks, and a few other outside public type areas.
So, without HB896, it is legal to store your firearm in your car. That is to say, you will not be arrested for it. You could however still be fired for doing so.

What HB896 is meant to do is forbid an employer from firing you for doing something that is legal, but that they don’t like.

HB896 is to protect employees from being fired while doing something entirely legal. It is not to make the act legal, but to protect you from retribution from employers.

Obviously, I’m not a lawyer, nor do I play one on the internet. Take this at the value you paid for it.

Scott

I was able to speak with Rep. Hupp while there to testify. Her contention was that if the parking lot was under gaurd, fenced, had a checkpoint/gate gaurd that you must pass through, and was accessible to ONLY employees, it was a secured lot. Very few places would qualify. She herself said that a 'public' type parking area such as at hospitals, shopping malls, business that have public come and go, would not be secured.
I hope that definition sticks.

Yes that was me. Glad I didn't know that I was on camera. I would have been even more nervous.

I was happy to be there. I had corresponded with Alice about the situation I was in, and was asked to testify, so I did. Maybe I helped a little, I like to think I did.

Speaking with Alice during and after the hearing, I got the impression that she didn't expect the bill to make it out of committee, because there was such an issue of property rights. Even Rep. Hupp said she had problems with this bill. I am really looking forward to seeing the ammendments.

Now that it is out of committee, what happens? Where does it stand now, and what can we do to help?

Thanks for all the info,
Scott

Charles L. Cotton wrote:
Thanks for your help. Are you a firefighter?

Yes I am.
I read in an earlier thread that you watched the meeting on the 'net. If that is correct, you saw me speak after Alice Tripp.

Great!
I was there to testify before the committee. How was it ammended?