AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Resolution 2019-138R, forbidding persons licensed to carry a handgun, from carrying a handgun, regardless of whether the handgun is concealed or openly carried, in any room or rooms, including but not limited to the City Council Chambers, where the City Council or any City Board, Commission, Committee or Body is meeting in an Open Meeting subject to the Texas Open Meetings Act; authorizing the City Manager, the City Clerk, their designees and any other officers, employees or appointees responsible for such meetings to provide notice of such handgun restriction in accordance with Sections 30.06 and 30.07 of the Texas Penal Code; and declaring an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: August 20, 2019
Department: CMO
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: N/A
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Funds Available: Click or tap here to enter text.
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Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action:
On December 15, 2015, City Council approved Resolution 2015-177R to prohibit open carry of a handgun in any room or rooms where a meeting of the City Council, a Board, Commission or Committee, posted in accordance with the Texas Open Meeting Act, is being conducted. Concealed carrying of handguns in such meetings was not prohibited by that resolution.
City Council Strategic Initiative: N/A
Comprehensive Plan Element (s): ☒ Not Applicable
Master Plan: N/A
Background Information:
In order to secure a higher level of safety for City Council, Board and Commission members and staff during public meetings, the attached resolution prohibits license holders from bringing handguns, whether openly carried or concealed, into such public meeting rooms while meetings posted in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act are being conducted. Revised notices prohibiting concealed carrying of handguns will be posted pursuant to this resolution.
This action is specifically authorized Section 46.035, Subsection C of the Texas Penal Code.
Installation of future security measures to the Chambers can be made after this resolution is approved.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
Alternatives:
Recommendation: Approval of Resolution