TexasCHLforum.com

thatguyoverthere wrote:Thanks rtschl. Yes, I'm familiar with the Occupational Code amendment, and it is very simple and straightforward (surprisingly!).

What I'm trying to verify is that there is no prohibition in the other CHL-relevent laws (chapter 411, PC chapter 9, etc.) against carrying while acting as volunteer security, whether in a church or as part of a neighborhood watch or any other similar situation where I am providing volunteer security on behalf of someone other than just myself. I have not been able to find any such prohibition, but I have friends who seem to think that there is one ("in there somewhere").

Thanks again.

Thatguyoverthere, That which I highlighted in red would be a problem as you cannot provide volunteer security in any of those situations except regular place of worship starting this fall unless you are licensed by the state and employed and contracted to do so by a licensed security company. A neighborhood watch has not been defined as security that I know of - just observing and calling the police - not batman. I know several people who are in neighborhood watches and they carry.

Example: Supervising neighborhood kids going to the mall is not providing "volunteer security" - it's being a parent and neighbor. You would just happened to be armed. So no issue in situations like that. But say you were "patroling" a business for a buddy - then yeah - you might run afoul of being unlicensed security. It depends on what you mean "on behalf of someone other than just myself" and the circumstances of it.

thatguyoverthere wrote:
Now a dumb question: are LTC'ers prohibited from carrying and/or using their firearms while acting as volunteer church security?

Short answer: No.

The whole point of the legislation was to exempt churches from the occupation code that required licensed security. If the legislature wanted to "disarm" volunteers organizing to protect their church they would have left the law as it was.

This is pretty plain language. Places of religious worship do not apply to the occupation code for 1702 (Security). So you can't be paid, wear a badge or uniform to look like LEO, security, or PPO or use the word security...

Sec. 1702.333. PLACE OF RELIGIOUS WORSHIP; CERTAIN
VOLUNTEERS. (a) In this section, "volunteer security services"
means services or activities that are:
(1) regulated under this chapter; and
(2) provided without compensation or remuneration.
(b) This chapter does not apply to a person who is providing
volunteer security services on the premises of a church, synagogue,
or other established place of religious worship.
(c) While providing volunteer security services under
Subsection (b), a person may not wear a uniform or badge that:
(1) contains the word "security"; or
(2) gives the person the appearance of being a peace
officer, personal protection officer, or security officer.

No mention regarding firearms whatsoever.