Relating to the required notice regarding the possession of a firearm on the premises of certain businesses; providing an administrative penalty.
Summary
HB 3428 changes Texas law governing signs that notify people they may not carry a handgun on certain premises. The bill amends the Government Code to limit who may display the handgun-prohibition sign, stating that only businesses described in the existing statute may use that sign. It also requires hospitals and nursing homes to post the sign at each entrance, with some exceptions to the sign-format requirements.
The bill further amends the Alcoholic Beverage Code to create enforcement consequences for businesses that improperly display the sign. If the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission determines a license or permit holder is displaying the sign in violation of the law, the commission must impose a $1,000 administrative penalty for a first violation and revoke the license or permit for a subsequent violation. The commission must also publish on its website a list of certain alcohol-licensed businesses that receive 51 percent or more of their gross receipts from alcohol sales and are required to display the sign.
Impact
HB 3428 would affect the regulation of handgun-carry notice signs at businesses, hospitals, nursing homes, and alcohol-licensed premises. It adds a new administrative enforcement mechanism for improper sign display, giving the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission authority to fine and potentially revoke licenses or permits. It also narrows sign use to authorized businesses and requires public posting of affected 51-percent establishments on the commission’s website, while making the new provisions apply only to conduct occurring on or after the bill’s effective date of September 1, 2025.
Sentiment
The available context suggests the bill was treated as a public-safety and regulatory measure and advanced through the legislative process without recorded opposition in the provided materials. Its placement on the House General State Calendar indicates it moved forward in the House, and the committee assignment to Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans’ Affairs is consistent with a firearms-regulation issue. No committee transcript or vote record was provided showing debate, amendments, or divided sentiment.
Contention
The main point of contention likely concerns firearm policy and the scope of businesses allowed to post handgun-prohibition notices. Supporters would view the bill as clarifying lawful signage and strengthening enforcement against improper postings, while critics may object to expanded penalties, license revocation, and the public listing of 51-percent alcohol establishments. The bill also touches hospitals and nursing homes, which may raise questions about balancing firearms restrictions, patient safety, and business compliance burdens.
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Relating to regulating certain firearm transfers, possession of certain firearms, and protective orders prohibiting possession of a firearm; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.
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