TexasCHLforum.com

Dear Mr. ___:

I urge you to vote in favor of HB1301 – Employee firearms in parking lots – and HB410 - Repeal of duty to show CHL.

Currently, employers can fire employees who have a legally owned firearm in their vehicle on company property. HB1301 would make it illegal to fire an employee who has a concealed handgun license (CHL) for simply having a concealed weapon in his or her vehicle.

• Employees should not have to give up their right to self-defense while commuting to work.
• CHL holders have an excellent record of complying with the law and avoiding violent conflicts.
• Many people have resolved violent incidents – including in schools – by virtue of having weapons in their vehicle.
• Any display or use of a handgun other than for self-defense is a violation of the law. In that case, the employer is free to fire the employee.
• This bill removes employers’ liability in case of criminal or negligent use of a weapon that an employee brought to work.

State law currently requires a CHL holder to present his CHL when asked for ID by a police officer. This requirement comes into play mainly during traffic stops.

This requirement is unnecessary, as the status of a CHL is provided when the officer checks the driver’s license information online. It has never served a useful purpose, and it has led to confusion on the part of police officers.

Furthermore, state law now allows any unlicensed person to carry a concealed handgun in a motor vehicle. Those persons who do not have a CHL are not required to inform the officer that they are armed.

Very truly yours,