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CWOOD wrote:I decided to make use of a day off and go to the Capitol to visit with each of the members of the House Public Safety Committee.

I managed to talk to a real person in all of the Members' offices except Rep. Joe Driver and Rep. Barbara Mallory Caraway. When I got home I emailed them to express regret at missing them and expressed thanks to Rep. Driver for his efforts on our behalf, and to urge Rep. Mallory Caraway to support SB1164 in committee.

Every office I was able to visit mentioned that there had been a lot of contact regarding SB1164..."the gun bill" or the "guns on campus bill". My impression that most contacts had been in support. The sign in sheets seemed to support that view.

I had a very pleasant experience when I called on the office of my own Rep. Eddie Rodriguez. I knew from previous contact that Rep. Rodriguez was strongly against SB1164.

When I arrived at his office and spoke to one of his assistants, I mentioned that I was a constituent and wanted him to vote on a couple of issues. Rep. Rodriguez happend to come from his personal office to the general office area as I spoke. He graciously invited me into his personal office and invited me to sit. I started off with SB729 (defense to prosecution in a non-posted 51% location) and after explaining the bill to him, he said that he would have not problem supporting that bill. A pleasant suprise.

I then mentioned SB730 (parking lot) and he said that he was undecided on this one. I mentioned that the legislature had established precedent of the vehicle being and extension of one's home on several occasions and that this was a similar situation. Also mentioned that MY employer (large retailer) chooses to NOT restrict the general public but ONLY employees and that this would not affect possession in the premisis of the business. He listened closely and again said that he was undecided, but at least he listened.

Then he brought up SB1164 and his strong opposition to it. I noted that I was aware of his position and that we would have to agree to disagree but appreciated the gentlemanly manner with which he disagreed. Followed up with a 'thank you' email.

Suprisingly, I think he will vote FOR SB729 which he had not really considered, and may vote for SB730. One and one-half out of three is better than I had anticipated.

It is always interesting visiting the Capitol.

By the way, the House and Senate Chambers ARE posted 30.06, have metal detectors, and several DPS troopers at the entrances.

austinrealtor wrote:Nice work, cwood.

But I'm curious why the the chambers would need a 30.06? Isn't any area where a meeting of a governmental entity is regularly held already off limits? Or is this only DURING such meeting?