Very nice (form) letter

[Jasonw560]

I just received a very nice form letter from Sen. Lucio's office.

I may send him one back. Here it is:

[RoyGBiv]

Lowest common denominator.... Managing to the exception...

So... we'll deny thousands of Texans the ability to defend themselves because we have one situation that can't easily be made to fit the proposed new rules..

[Jasonw560]

Lowest common denominator.... Managing to the exception...

So... we'll deny thousands of Texans the ability to defend themselves because we have one situation that can't easily be made to fit the proposed new rules..

There's the rub. It can be easily fixed. Allowing the school to do what Harrold ISD did. Problem solved.

[Thomas]

They could address the situation by name in the bill, and then all the school has to do is change their name

[MeMelYup]

Okay, you all are getting me confused (normal state). He stated that there must be an exception because there is a High School on the grounds. My understanding is when one has a CHL as long as that person does not enter the building(s) or fenced in area of a K-12 school but stayed on public sidewalks/parking areas, they were ok. Is this wrong?

[Hoi Polloi]

It sounds like he's saying he wants the entire college campus exempted because it has high schoolers in the general vicinity. That would set a dangerous precedent in which the entire bill's purpose could be gutted by having high school students occasionally using the property. He's playing hardball to get back for something because he knows it will hurt someone else to not get his vote more than it will hurt him to not give it?

[RoyGBiv]

Okay, you all are getting me confused (normal state). He stated that there must be an exception because there is a High School on the grounds. My understanding is when one has a CHL as long as that person does not enter the building(s) or fenced in area of a K-12 school but stayed on public sidewalks/parking areas, they were ok. Is this wrong?

"shared facilities"..

Carry is prohibited at any school-sponsored outdoor event also..
If I walk up on a baseball game, how do I know if it's HS (carry prohibited) or college (ok under proposed new law) if both schools use the same field?

The solution is easy... Allow carry in ALL schools.
I'd prefer to have my childs' grade-school teachers armed than have the kids "unprotected by law".

[Jasonw560]

Here's what I just sent him:

Senator Lucio,

Thank you for the response oulining ypur concerns as to why you will not vote for SB 354. After reading through your letter, I would like to respectfully correct one erroneous statement you have made.

You stated that as of now, it is illegal to carry a firearm on the grounds of an elementary or secondary school. In fact, 18 USC 922 (q)(2)(B)(ii) states: (ii) if the individual possessing the firearm is licensed to do so by the State in which the school zone is located or a political subdivision of the State, and the law of the State or political subdivision requires that, before an individual obtains such a license, the law enforcement authorities of the State or political subdivision verify that the individual is qualified under law to receive the license.

Currently, Texas has some of the most stringent laws in obtaining a CHL, which meet the above standards. Also, prusuant to Texas Penal code 46.03 (a)(1), a peron may carry upon their person, a concealed handgun with written permission from the school.

This is not an untried policy. Harrold ISD in North Texas has enacted this policy with no incidents of violent behaviors by CHL holders, either faculy, staff, or parents.

I understand this is a unique situation that has presented itself. However, I believe that with better education on this issue with the faculty, staff, and parents involved in your decision, including the statistics from Harrold ISD and the data from Utah which shows no increase in crime rates among their CHL holders and along with anecdotal evidence comparing the Columbine incident and the Pearl High School incident.

I, and many other voting constituents in District 27 believe that hundreds, possibly thousands of CHL holders should not be held powerless against criminals while studying and teaching in our institutions of higher learning, for the sake of a few misguided but well-meaning individuals, when this law could positively affect all involved, as it has on 71 colleges campuses in 5 different states.

I am just asking you to vote to allow this bill to be heard, and voted on its merits. If you believe that this is a bad piece of legislation, then vote against it--after it has been considered and debated. Allow this to stand or fall on its own.

Thank you,

Jasonw560

[UpTheIrons]

Very nice!

[tarkus]

I just received a very nice form letter from Sen. Lucio's office.

It's polite but I wouldn't call it nice to violate civil rights and put innocent lives at risk by blocking the bill.