Firearm Carry Act of 2021

As of September 1, 2021 and Texas HB 1927 (Firearms Carry Act of 2021) is now in effect. I wanted to provide you with what is allowed and what is not allowed with this new act. If you see individuals around town carrying a firearm, do not be alarmed unless the person is committing a crime or is doing something that is suspicious. Our officers will respond to ensure there is no crime occurring, has occurred, or is about to occur. Our officers will not infringe on the right to constitutional carry in relation to law abiding citizens. We do ask that you familiarize yourself with the below information so you are in compliance with the law.

The Firearm Carry Act of 2021

Texas has passed House Bill 1927, the Firearm Carry Act of 2021, which will take effect on Sept. 1, 2021.

The new law will allow any law-abiding Texan or other law-abiding citizen (regardless of the state in which he orshe resides) who is at least 21 years old to open carry or concealed carry a firearm in public without needing a special permit or license. This, of course, does not apply to any individual who is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm (e.g. a felon or an individual with a conviction of domestic abuse).

The following locations are off-limits for permitless carry, under Texas Law:

■ Prohibited locations posted with Texas Penal Code § 30.05 or § 46.03 signs;
■ On the physical premises* of an elementary or secondary school or educational institution, any grounds or building on which a school-sponsored activity is being conducted, or a passenger transportation vehicle of a school or educational institution, without authorization;
■ Within 1,000 feet of a school (outside of school buildings);
■ On the premises* of an institution of higher education, any grounds or building on which a school-sponsored activity is being conducted, or a passenger transportation vehicle of an institution of higher education;
■ Premises* where a high school, collegiate or interscholastic event is taking place;
■ Premises* where a professional sporting event is taking place;
■ Polling places on election day or while early voting is in progress;
■ Premises* of any government court or offices utilized by the court, unless authorized by the court;
■ Premises* of a racetrack;
■ Secured area of an airport;
■ On the premises* of a business that derives 51% or more of its income from the sale or service of alcohol beverages for on-premises* consumption (posted with a red sign with “51%” in large red letters superimposeda warning that says possession of a concealed weapon on the premises* is a felony);
■ On premises* where the possession of any concealed weapon is illegal;
■ Premises* of a correctional facility;
■ Premises* of a civil commitment facility;
■ Within 1,000 feet of any premises* of a place of execution on a day that a sentence of death is set to be imposed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice;
■ Premises* of a hospital;
■ Premises* of a mental hospital or nursing home;
■ Premises* of a permanent amusement park;
■ In the room of an open meeting of a governmental entity; and

■ Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law.

Locations Off-Limits to Open Carry, Even With a Permit

<■ Prohibited locations posted with Texas Penal Code § 30.07 or § 46.03 signs;

■ On the physical premises* of an elementary or secondary school or educational institution, any grounds or building on which a school-sponsored activity is being conducted, or a passenger transportation vehicle of a school or educational institution, without authorization;
■ On the premises* of an institution of higher education, any grounds or building on which a school-sponsored activity is being conducted, or a passenger transportation vehicle of an institution of higher education;
■ Premises* where a professional sporting event is taking place;
■ Premises* of any government court or offices utilized by the court, unless authorized by the court;
■ Premises* of a racetrack;
■ Polling places on election day or while early voting is in progress;
■ Premises* of a correctional facility;
■ Premises* of a civil commitment facility;
■ Within 1,000 feet of any premises* of a place of execution on a day that a sentence of death is set to be imposed by Texas Department of Criminal Justice; and
■ On the premises* of a business that derives 51% or more of its income from the sale or service of alcoholic for on-premises* consumption (posted with a red sign with “51%” in large red letters superimposed over a warning that says possession of a concealed weapon on the premises* is a felony)
Locations Off-Limits to Concealed Carry, Even With a Permit
■ Prohibited locations posted with Texas Penal Code § 30.06 or § 46.03 signs;
■ On the physical premises* of an elementary or secondary school or educational institution, any grounds or building on which a school-sponsored activity is being conducted, or a passenger transportation vehicle of school or educational institution, without authorization;
■ Premises* where a professional sporting event is taking place;
■ Premises* of a racetrack;
■ Premises* of any government court or offices utilized by the court, unless authorized by the court;
■ Polling places on election day or while early voting is in progress;
■ Premises* of a correctional facility;
■ Premises* of a civil commitment facility;
■ Within 1,000 feet of any premises* of a place of execution on a day that a sentence of death is set to be imposed b the Texas Department of Criminal Justice; and

■ On the premises* of a business that derives 51% or more of its income from the sale or service of alcoholic beverages for on-premises* consumption (posted with a red sign with “51%” in large red letters superimposed over a warning that says possession of a concealed weapon on the premises* is a felony

Chief Perkins