Two bills dealing with volunteer church security personnel should come up for a vote in the House Homeland Security & Public Safety Committee on Monday, March 13th at 8:00AM. Please call and email every member of the committee and ask them to vote for HB421 and to vote against HB659. HB421 is a much-needed Bill for the vast majority of churches that cannot afford to hire paid security companies and guards. The Members and phone number are listed below, but you will have to ask for their email address.
HB659 is nothing more than the security industry's attempt to derail HB421. Testimony on the Bill was grossly misleading as to the scope of HB659 and the true cost to volunteer security personnel operating under a Letter of Authority. HB659's author testified that he was going to file a committee substitute that would repeal the $400 initial fee and the $250 renewal fees. However, LTCs who want to carry their self-defense handguns will still have to go to a 40 training course and pay for their security guard license. I think, but I'm not sure, that they would also be forced to wear a uniform and carry their handgun openly. Again, I'm not positive on this issue, but the Bill is bad even if a uniform is not required. Volunteers that are involved with protecting people (ex. the Pastor) would have to obtain additional training at additional cost. HB659 is a bad bill.
Please act today!
Chas.
House Homeland Security & Public Safety Committee:
Rep. Phil King - Chairman (512) 463-0738
Rep. Poncho Nevarez - Vice-Chairman (512) 463-0566
Rep. DeWayne Burns (512) 463-0538
Rep. Gina Hinojosa (512) 463-0668
Rep. Justin Holland(512) 463-0484
Rep. Jarvis Johnson (512) 463-0554
Rep. Will Metcalf (512) 463-0726
Rep. Matt Schaefer (512) 463-0584
Rep. John Wray (512) 463-0516