TX Lawmakers think more of themselves than the rest of us
Posted: Mon May 09, 2011 1:57 pm
Texas lawmakers may soon be able to pack heat at church, the hospital, a sporting event or even bars. A bill that passed the Texas Senate today 25-6 would add all elected statewide officials — and even former legislators — to the list of people exempt from concealed handgun laws that prohibit carrying guns at these locations.
Certain statewide officials are already exempted — federal judges, judicial officers, district attorneys and county attorneys. Author of the bill, Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, says it exempts legislators so they can carry guns “for their own personal security” and ensure they won’t be prosecuted if they are caught “not purposefully violating the law by carrying” a gun in an prohibited location.
Certain statewide officials are already exempted — federal judges, judicial officers, district attorneys and county attorneys. Author of the bill, Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, says it exempts legislators so they can carry guns “for their own personal security” and ensure they won’t be prosecuted if they are caught “not purposefully violating the law by carrying” a gun in an prohibited location.