Employer Parking Lot Bill Passes

At 6:30 p.m. on May 27th, the Texas Senate passed the conference committee report on SB 321 by Sen. Glenn Hegar and Rep. Tim Kleinschmidt. The House passed their version on the 26th and SB 321, the Employer Parking Lot bill, is on its way to Governor Perry’s desk.   The conference process is required because the House made changes to a Senate bill. This was also an opportunity to add a bit more immunity for employers, something of concern to Governor Perry, and make a tweak or two to the language.   The only “carve-outs” forced on the bill include those employees servicing gas and oil wells on leased property and ISD employees. College campus employees are covered as are defense contractors and all others.   The Petro-Chemical folks are limited to CHLs only, but the conference process broadened the language so that an employee with a CHL may also have rifles and shotguns in their vehicles.   All other legal possession of a firearm and ammunition in a locked, personal vehicle is included. The protection for the employee, even a CHL, does not extend to outside the vehicle. The firearm should be stored out of sight.   A word of caution!  Watch for your employer to change their employee manual, especially those companies which exercised the strongest opposition.    Special thanks to Senator Glenn Hegar, Jr. (R-Katy) and state Rep. Tim Kleinschmidt (R-Lexington).  After seven long years, the bill has finally crossed the finished line!  SB 321 is clear and finally passed!   The earliest effective date for SB 321 will be Sept. 1. Contacting Governor Perry and asking that the bill be signed would be good. SB 321 will become law unless it’s vetoed.   Call 800-843-5789 or visit www.governor.state.tx.us/contact/ and urge our Governor to sign SB 321 as quickly as possible.— courtesy Texas State Rifle Association