Employer Handbook Language

[Ace26]

Just started a new position (office is in TX) and the handbook given to me states this:

"Carrying of firearms of any kind in any leased premises, the building in which such premises are
situated, any related garage, or any related complex of buildings of which the foregoing are a
part, or any sidewalks, drives, or other common areas related to any of the foregoing, is
prohibited except in the case of unconcealed firearms carried by licensed security personnel."

I've slept a few times since my CHL class, so I'd like a second opinion on how I interpret this. Since this is in print in a handbook, it looks to me like proper notice that I shouldn't carry in the office. However, in the parking garage, I don't believe they can tell me that I can't leave my weapon hidden and locked inside my vehicle. Am I correct in my thinking?

Thanks for your thoughts.

[n5wd]

There's the law, and then there's the company's ability to fire you if you don't act like they'd like you to act.

By law, with a few exceptions, you may keep your firearm in the car in most parking lots. But, if for some reason the company becomes aware of the fact that you have a firearm while you're on the company's property, they may fire you.

Since Texas is a "we can fire you for most anything at any time unless you're in a protected class of people" state (they call it a "Right to Work" state), companies can basically fire an employee at will.

So, if you do decide to leave your weapon in the car in the company's parking lot, you're not breaking any law (again, there are a few exceptions like educational facilities and petroleum processing plants, etc.).

[Teamless]

Their language does not make it illegal for you to carry.
It does however tell you that if you are caught, you may be punished for it.
As we are an At-Will state, they can fire you for anything, or nothing. So there is nothing wrong with their posting that language.

It could also be that they KNOW the law and are intentionally not posting the 30.06 wording in the manual, so you 'may' carry.

Lastly, IF you ask the HR or other Manager of the intentions, all they have to say is "you cannot carry" or anything with the same meaning and now you have legally been told via the 30.06 section, and it now does become illegal for you to carry there.

[Tic Tac]

Agree with Teamless. Make your choice and live with it.

[Ace26]

Thanks for the input! I purposely did not ask anyone so as to avoid "official" 30.06 notice. It's not an educational institution or petroleum processing facility.

[WildBill]

But, boss, I never read the book, so I never received notice.

Check's in the mail!