Sec. 552.002. CARRYING OF HANDGUN BY LICENSE HOLDER IN STATE HOSPITAL. (a) In this section:
(1) "License holder" has the meaning assigned by Section 46.03, Penal Code.
(2) "State hospital" means the following facilities:
(A) the Austin State Hospital;
(B) the Big Spring State Hospital;
(C) the El Paso Psychiatric Center;
(D) the Kerrville State Hospital;
(E) the North Texas State Hospital;
(F) the Rio Grande State Center;
(G) the Rusk State Hospital;
(H) the San Antonio State Hospital;
(I) the Terrell State Hospital; and
(J) the Waco Center for Youth.
(3) "Written notice" means a sign that is posted on property and that:
(A) includes in both English and Spanish written language identical to the following: "Pursuant to Section 552.002, Health and Safety Code (carrying of handgun by license holder in state hospital), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a handgun";
(B) appears in contrasting colors with block letters at least one inch in height; and
(C) is displayed in a conspicuous manner clearly visible to the public at each entrance to the property.
(b) A state hospital may prohibit a license holder from carrying a handgun under the authority of Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, on the property of the hospital by providing written notice.
(c) A license holder who carries a handgun under the authority of Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, on the property of a state hospital at which written notice is provided is liable for a civil penalty in the amount of:
(1) $100 for the first violation; or
(2) $500 for the second or subsequent violation.
(d) The attorney general or an appropriate prosecuting attorney may sue to collect a civil penalty under this section.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1143 (H.B. 435), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2017.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 809 (H.B. 1927), Sec. 12, eff. September 1, 2021.