TexasCHLforum.com

KLB wrote:

dawgfishboy wrote:Is providing a secure place to lock it up while in the building too much to ask (or a bad idea)? Some of us prefer to ride mass transit vs driving downtown when summonsed.

A nice idea, but probably a nonstarter for the same reason airports no longer have lockers. It's place to leave a bomb.

dawgfishboy wrote:Is providing a secure place to lock it up while in the building too much to ask (or a bad idea)? Some of us prefer to ride mass transit vs driving downtown when summonsed.

Charles L. Cotton wrote:

mojo84 wrote:

Jusme wrote:Are courthouses, in their entirety, on the list of places that we plan on trying to remove from prohibited places?

All places that law enforcement officers are allowed to carry firearms should apply to LTC holders. The only places they have to disarm are secured portions of jails and prisons. Courthouses, including court rooms, even off duty, police can carry either openly or concealed. TABC 51% locations, LEOs can carry. Professional, collegiate, and high school sporting events are ok for LEOs. All Texas school district premises, on duty or off are ok for police to carry. There is no sound reason to restrict those of us with LTC from carrying in these locations also. We have proven ourselves to be even more law abiding than LEOs, and it is only the prevailing attitudes of those who think only the police should be armed, that have kept us from having that freedom. Of course that still only applies to LTC holders, and doesn't touch on Constitutional Carry.

If I recall correctly, Charles indicated his position is those directly involved in the court proceeding or related to those that are involved should not be allowed to carry in the courtrooms. That is off the top of my head and my recollection may be off some.

I can accept that restriction as I know court cases can get very heated and emotions can run very high.

You are correct. The bill I drafted for the 2017 session allows LTCs to carry in courts, offices, etc., as long as they are not a party or witness in a case that is then being heard in that court. In larger counties like Harris and Dallas Counties, most folks have no reason to enter a court building unless they are involved in a case. In smaller counties, courts are often in multi-use buildings and this is where my bill will have the greatest impact in terms of courts and court buildings. Spectators will be able to carry in courtroom, but those typically are few in number.

Chas.