TexasCHLforum.com

gugisman wrote:The hearing went well... considering 4-5 security lobbyists fought hard to keep things status quo.

Three other guys testified in favor of the bill, but I neglected to get their names. One was retired TX State Trooper.

There was very little time for testimony. Here is what I highlighted:

-Security industry is turf protecting, which has resulted in governmental overreach into churches;
-Security industry is meddling into private affairs of religious organizations, bordering on affecting their freedom to (safely) worship;
-Many/most (potential) volunteers are retired LEO's from State, Local and Federal agencies;
-These potential volunteers have thousands of hours of training and 20+ years of real life LE experience... A security officer's certification requires about 50 hours of training;
-Retired LEO's are 'exempted' from TXPC 46.02/03 in 46.15; Security officers are for 46.02 but only a defense of prosecution for 46.03;

The bill may be tweaked (hopefully) to make it palletable to the democrats on the committee, which may lead to its passage out if committee...

This is a giidt time to call Matt Schaeffer's office, the sponsor of the bill, to offer support. It's definitely a good time to call or email the Homeland Security committee to encourage them to vote in favor of passing the bill.

E. Inman, Ponder, TX