Relating to the definition of holster for purposes of certain criminal offenses.
Summary
SB 2303 amends the Texas Penal Code to add a specific statutory definition of “holster” for purposes of certain criminal offenses. Under the bill, a holster is defined as a leather, fabric, or plastic case designed for carrying a handgun. The measure is narrow in scope and does not create a new offense; instead, it clarifies the meaning of a term used in existing criminal law.
The bill applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025. Offenses committed before that date remain governed by prior law, which is expressly continued for those cases. This makes the change prospective only and limits any retroactive effect on pending or past conduct.
Impact
The bill would amend Section 46.01 of the Texas Penal Code by inserting a new definition of “holster,” which could affect how courts, prosecutors, and defendants interpret criminal statutes that rely on that term. Because the bill is definitional, its practical impact would be to standardize interpretation in cases involving handguns and holsters, rather than to expand or reduce criminal liability directly. It may influence enforcement and litigation involving weapons-related offenses where the presence or type of holster is legally relevant.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript, recorded votes, or other public debate in the provided materials, so there is no documented opposition or support to assess from discussion. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears technical and clarifying in nature, which often draws limited controversy. Its referral to the State Affairs Committee suggests it was treated as a policy matter within the legislature’s normal process, but the provided materials do not show a broader political reaction.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided transcripts or voting history. Potential areas of debate, if any, would likely center on whether the definition is too narrow by limiting holsters to leather, fabric, or plastic cases, and whether that exclusion could affect other carrying devices or enforcement outcomes. However, the materials supplied do not identify any legislator, stakeholder, or committee member taking a position on those issues.