TexasCHLforum.com

The HHS Human Resources Manual will be revised to bring the agency policy on handguns into compliance with state
law.
Starting Jan. 1, employees with Concealed Handgun Licenses will be able to bring their weapons to work, concealed
or properly holstered in accordance with state law. The policy ensures the HHS agencies treatment of their employees
will be in line with Senate Bill 273, which prohibits state agencies from posting signs banning handguns from their
premises and House Bill 910, which allows Texans with CHLs to openly carry holstered handguns.
The new policy will give HHS employees the same rights under the law as all Texans. There are a few exemptions,
such as employees licensed to carry a handgun are prohibited from carrying their handguns at DADS state supported
living centers or at DSHS state hospitals. Other exceptions will be detailed in the updated HR manual.
Employees without CHLs may not bring handguns to work, nor may any employee bring any other prohibited
weapons (Texas Penal Code 46.05).
As mentioned, the new state law allows Texans to carry their handguns in the open as long as it is properly holstered,
so some of our clients may be wearing their handguns in our offices. Refusing to help a client or demanding they
remove the handgun for service is against the law.
The policy revisions are a combination of recommendations made by the Chief Deputy Executive Commissioner,
agencies’ chief operating officers, HHS deputy executive commissioners, Business and Regional Services, HHSC
Legal Services, HHSC Communications and HHS Human Resources.
Please review the policy and if you have further questions, check with your manager.