Is CCW allowed at the Austin Capital?

[AshleyAnne]

If you have a CHL can you go into the State Capital...like for a tour....and legally carry?

[dave_in_austin]

I would expect that to be a government-owned building, so as long as there is no jail, court, etc. you should be OK.

[CWOOD]

I have carried there often. I have NEVER encountered a 30.06 sign or had any problem at all. Right after 9-11 they were searching bags and asking for ID. I showed my CHL and was allowed to enter.

Last year there was some talk of the Senate making a rule prohibiting the carrying of firearms in their chamber, but I haven't been there since then.

I have just put in a call to my Senator Kirk Watson's office. The person I spoke with recalled last years situation but didn't recall the outcome. She will check and get back with me.

I will post the results of the follow-up.

You might call your local State Senator's office and inquire too. Maybe we will have to start a call in campaign if we are restricted.

[smyrna]

I've never seen a 30.06 and have carried there.

I'll bet you a dollar bill to a donut hole that a lot of congressmen (and uh, women) carry there daily.

[Greybeard]

(now Land Commishioner) Jerry Patterson is too close to that building to let any such nonsense fly.

[KBCraig]

The same principle applies to the capitol that applies to the Bugtussle city council trying to outlaw carry in the city park: government property belongs to the people, and the tenants have no authority to tell the landlords that they can't carry there.

The only statutory restriction is "meeting of a governmental entity" with a 30.06 notice (which won't happen). Any "rule" the bodies might pass only applies to their membership, because it would lack statutory authority.